District honors SK Helpline with Community Leadership Award

Each year school districts honor community partners through the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) award program. This year, South Kitsap Helpline was the worthy recipient of South Kitsap School District’s nomination. The regional ceremony was held at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino on April 24, 2023. 

South Kitsap Helpline Food Bank and the South Kitsap School District have a long and mutually supportive relationship. Throughout the years, the organizations have partnered to serve the children and families of the South Kitsap community. Helpline’s mission is to provide resources for people in crisis in the community. They fulfill a critical need for community members who are facing hunger. Executive Director Jennifer Hardison and her small but mighty crew make an incredible impact collecting supply and monetary donations and distributing to those most in need. In fact, Helpline served more than nine thousand households with more than 800,000 pounds of food last year alone. 

In Western Washington, one in nine people go hungry and one in six of those are children. Students who face food insecurity are at a disadvantage in school. It is difficult to concentrate without the food needed to fuel learning. Moreover, summer and school breaks are often a time of increased need for students who rely on the school meal program. Helpline has bridged that gap by offering summer meal service when school is not in session.

Resources provided by Helpline directly support students and their families and South Kitsap School District is incredibly grateful for their important work.