The Ogden School Foundation has joined forces with Wasatch Peaks Credit Union to combat food insecurity among students in the Ogden School District.
The partnership includes a $50,000 donation from Wasatch Peaks Credit Union to provide ongoing food pantry support for the district’s most vulnerable students through the Student Support Centers at Ben Lomond High, Ogden High, OTECH High and the Family Support Center at Odyssey Elementary.
In just the past two months, these school pantries have been accessed more than 2,500 times, with over 2,000 food items distributed.
“Over two-thirds of our students are considered economically disadvantaged, and one in ten experience homelessness or housing insecurity throughout the school year,” said Brynn Murdock, Executive Director of the Ogden School Foundation. “Providing access to food resources removes a significant barrier to learning. It’s hard to come to school and take advantage of academic opportunities if you’re too hungry to focus in class.”
The Wasatch Peaks food pantries provide more than just basic nutrition. They offer protein-dense items, easy-to-prepare meals and snacks that are often unavailable in traditional food banks. Students can access the food during the day or arrange for an appointment before or after school.
“As I’ve served on the Ogden School Foundation’s board, it truly chokes me up to see students worrying about food,” said Spence McArthur, Executive Vice President at Wasatch Peaks Credit Union. “We hope that with this partnership, students can utilize this ongoing resource and make it easier to focus on their education.”
Along with the food pantry, students and their families can access resources like computers, laundry facilities, hygiene products and showers within the support centers.
“When our community partners donate money or materials, it frees up funding for us to staff community liaisons who serve as the connection between families in need and the resources that have been donated,” said Luke Rasmussen, Superintendent of the Ogden School District.
The Ogden School Foundation continues to accept both in-kind and monetary donations to help sustain ongoing food pantry support for students and their families. Donation information is available on the Ogden School Foundation website.
Wasatch Peaks Credit Union Contact:
Addison Rodriguez, Public Relations Specialist
801-476-6367, arodriguez@wasatchpeaks.com
Ogden School Foundation Contact:
Katie Wahlquist, Communications Specialist
801-737-7305, wahlquistk@ogdensd.org
