LEF's Fueled Program Finds Growing Need to Provide Students with Extra Meals

Credit: Loudoun Now | Original Article

Volunteers pack meal bags as part of the Loudoun Education Foundation's Fueled program. Between weekend meal bags and in-school pantries, the program supports 2,000 students each week. | Photo: Alexis Gustin

As families across Loudoun County prepare for the holidays, the Loudoun Education Foundation is rallying the community to help ensure no student goes hungry. The foundation's Fueled program—which provides weekly meal bags and in-school pantries—has seen demand surge in recent years, growing from 500 students served weekly in 2022 to more than 2,000 students and families today.

LEF is the charitable arm of Loudoun County Public Schools, leveraging community donations and volunteer support to empower students to reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond.

The Fueled program works directly with each school’s family liaison to learn how best to serve individual school communities.

“The growth we've seen reflects both increased awareness of the program and, unfortunately, increased need in our community,” stated LEF Executive Director Danielle Nadler. “What gives me hope is how our community has stepped up.

“From Amazon delivering our student meal bags to more than 40 schools each week, to community clubs who volunteer their time or donate supplies, we're proving what's possible when we work together. Our students need that support now, more than ever.”

LEF’s Fueled program has evolved significantly since its inception as the Backpack Coalition in 2013. Leveraging its role as a connector between community partners and local public schools, LEF has significantly scaled operations and enhanced how the program serves students. Since 2022, LEF has opened and operated a network of 21 in-school pantries that empower families to access culturally appropriate foods and hygiene items, increasing dignity and sustainability and reducing waste.

“On behalf of the Patriots Food Pantry, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the generous support our community provides,” said Sandra Amaya, the family liaison at Park View High School. “Thanks to this kindness, we can provide bags of groceries and produce on Wednesdays to our families. This contribution doesn't just help meet immediate needs; it also restores hope and shows our community that people care. Our families are very grateful for everything you do.”

All support, whether through weekend meal bags or in-school pantries, is provided discreetly to protect student dignity while ensuring consistent access to food. The goal of all efforts is to help meet students’ basic needs, which has been shown to boost both attendance and academic performance.

Community members can support Fueled by:

• Making a financial donation at LoudounEducationFoundation.org/Donate;

 • volunteering to pack meal bags or support pantry operations; organizing snack or hygiene drives through their workplace or organization;

• or contacting LEF to learn about corporate partnership opportunities.

Learn more at LoudounEducationFoundation.org/Fueled or email danielle@loudouneducationfoundation.org