Medford, Oregon – For many elementary students, weekends can be a time of uncertainty when it comes to meals. Thanks to the ACCESS Rouge Powerpack Program, which receives support from the Avista Foundation, students who rely on school meals during the week can now look forward to nutritious food over the weekend.
For 730 Jackson County students at more than 30 schools in Medford, Phoenix-Talent, Eagle Point, Central Point, Ashland, Prospect, and Butte Falls, weekends can be challenging without the assurance of school meals. This lack of consistent nutrition has significant impacts on their education and well-being.
Countless studies show that students facing food insecurity have trouble focusing on lessons, and a growing body needs proper nutrition to participate fully in school. To support students over the weekend, the ACCESS Rouge Powerpack Program provides backpacks filled with nutritious kid-friendly foods every Friday for those who need it. These packs ensure that students have access to meals they enjoy, even when school is out. The Oregon nonprofit is meeting an urgent need in the communities it serves.
In its annual survey, Rouge Powerpack discovered that many parents in the program are finding it harder to afford groceries due to rising costs. Said one anonymous parent: “Because of RPP, I am able to spend less on groceries, provide a more balanced diet for my children and I less often need to skip meals as a parent in order to ensure my children have enough to eat.”
According to the Oregon Hunger Task Force, 61 percent of students in Jackson County are eligible for free or reduced school meals, 52 percent of students rely on school for lunch and 22 percent also rely on school for breakfast.
The children who receive the food backpacks report that they like the food and that the meals provided were easy to make – something that’s very important for a child.
RPP relies on donations, volunteers, and collaboration with local food banks. In 2024, the nonprofit received a grant from the Avista Foundation to support this important work .
Because the RPP can leverage each donated dollar through these collaborations, it only costs $8 to supply one weekend’s worth of food for one student. A $300 donation pays for one student’s food needs through the entire school year. And the program works:
“The Rogue Powerpack Program has drastically improved my student’s attendance and performance due to the hope that it brings to their lives,” said one anonymous teacher. “Their eyes light up at the end of the day when they realize they get to bring food home they otherwise would not have access to.”
Visit accesshelps.org/powerpack to make donations or sign up to volunteer.
Since its establishment in 2002, the Avista Foundation has made grants totaling over $17 million. The foundation focuses its giving in the areas of vulnerable and limited-income populations, education, and economic and cultural vitality. It is a separate, non-profit organization established by Avista Corp., and does not receive funding from Avista Utilities or AEL&P customers through rates. For more information on grant applications and geographical areas covered, please visit avistafoundation.com.