Filling Empty Plates: The Impact of Titan Fuel on Ball Chatham School District #5

What is Titan Fuel?

Titan Fuel is a dedicated program aimed at addressing food insecurity among students in the Ball Chatham School District #5. Starting in 2015 with a grant and the generous support of the Chatham United Methodist Church, Titan Fuel has evolved into a crucial resource for students who rely on school meals as their primary food source.

The Mission of Titan Fuel

Our mission is straightforward: to provide food assistance to at-risk students during weekends and holidays. Here’s how we achieve this:

• Identifying Students in Need: Working closely with the Ball Chatham School District, we identify students at risk of food insecurity.
• Food Distribution: We pack and distribute bags of food every two weeks, ensuring that students have access to meals during weekends.
• Community Engagement: As a fully volunteer-run program, we rely on the generosity of local supporters for funding and resources.

How We Operate

Each school year, we provide food for students from PreK to 8th grade. Our process includes:

• Packing Bags: Every two weeks, volunteers come together to pack bags filled with nutritious food items.
• Discreet Distribution: On Fridays, school staff distribute these bags discreetly to ensure the privacy of the students receiving assistance.
• Connecting Families: Beyond providing food, we also connect families with other supportive organizations to meet their broader needs.

The Challenge of Supporting High School Students

High school students present unique challenges for Titan Fuel. As they grow older, their needs evolve. Here’s how we adapt our approach:

• Lunch Account Funding: We provide additional funds to students' lunch accounts to ensure they have access to meals during school hours.
• Snacks and Weekend Food: High school students receive snacks and are also given the opportunity to take food home for the weekend.
• Understanding Needs: We recognize that older students may be caregivers for younger siblings, and we aim to support them in ways that are suitable for their circumstances.

Financial Support and Community Involvement

Titan Fuel operates entirely through community donations and volunteer efforts. We have no paid staff, which allows us to maximize the funds and resources we receive. Here’s how you can help:

• Donate: Financial contributions help us purchase food items and support our programs.
• Volunteer: Whether packing bags or helping with events, volunteers are vital to our success.
• Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends and family to help us reach more supporters.

Remembering Tammi Kuhn

In honor of Tammi Kuhn, a beloved former administrator in the Ball Chatham School District, we provide the Tammi Kuhn Fierce Family Support Grants. This initiative aims to support families in our district and further our mission to combat food insecurity.

Conclusion

Titan Fuel is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of students within the Ball Chatham School District #5. Through community efforts, we help ensure that no child goes hungry, providing them with the nourishment they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. Join us in our mission, and together we can help brighten the future for our students!