The Vigo County School Corporation (VCSC) Coordinated Health Program, a Union Health initiative in partnership with VCSC, is launching a new Weekend Meal Program to ensure students experiencing food insecurity have access to balanced meals when school is not in session.
In Vigo County, 24% of youth experience food insecurity. Within VCSC, more than 60% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, with many schools free and reduced rate as high as 90%. These numbers underscore the need for reliable access to food beyond the school week. The program is made possible by a generous lead gift from Maryland Community Church, which will fund weekend meal packs for students across the district for the remainder of the spring semester. The initiative is designed to be available to every VCSC school, with a long-term goal of building a sustainable, community-supported program.
Maryland Community Church has a longstanding relationship with Davis Park Elementary through its Kids Hope program. When approached about supporting the school, the church chose to expand its impact across the district.
“Our partnership with Davis Park through Kids Hope has shown us the incredible needs students and families face,” said Dawn Arnold of Maryland Community Church. “When we learned about the Weekend Meal Program, we felt called to think bigger and help launch this program for students across the district. No child should go hungry over the weekend, and we’re proud to help start something that will take the whole community to sustain.”
The Weekend Meal Program will distribute food packs, in participating schools, to students identified by schools as experiencing food insecurity, with the goal of providing consistent and equitable access across the district. Ongoing partnerships with community organizations, businesses and individual donors will be essential to sustaining and expanding the program in future semesters.
The Weekend Meal Program is intended to fill gaps in service across the district, complementing—not replacing—existing school and community efforts. Schools with strong, established programs are encouraged to continue their current models so the initiative can focus on reaching students with unmet needs.
Each weekend meal pack contains shelf-stable, balanced meals and snacks designed to meet a child’s nutritional needs while remaining appealing and enjoyable to eat. By providing consistent food over weekends, the program reduces stress for families and helps children return to school ready to learn, focus and participate.
“Food insecurity affects every aspect of a child’s life—from physical health to academic performance and emotional stability,” said Chelsea Dickerson, Nutrition Navigator with the VCSC Coordinated Health Program. “This program ensures that children have access to complete, balanced meals even when school is not in session, helping them maintain energy, focus and good nutrition all year long.”
Union Health Foundation is supporting the program as the fundraising and community engagement partner to help ensure the program can continue beyond this semester.
“This is a powerful example of what happens when schools, health care organizations, faith communities and donors come together,” said Becky Miller, President of Union Health Foundation. “Maryland Community Church’s generosity has jump-started this program, and now we invite the broader community to join us in sustaining it so children in Vigo County have a healthy start.”
Community members can support the Weekend Meal Program by making a donation here. They can also participate in or sponsor the upcoming VCSC Coordinated Health Pickleball Fundraiser on May 30, 2026, at Brittlebank Park.
For more information or to get involved, contact Union Health Foundation at 812.238.7534 or foundation@union.health.
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About the VCSC Coordinated Health Program
The Vigo County School Corporation Coordinated Health Program is a Union Health initiative that partners with VCSC to address health and wellness barriers impacting student success, including nutrition, access to care and mental health support.
About Vigo County School Corporation
The Vigo County School Corporation is a county-wide public school corporation, serving nearly 13,000 students in Terre Haute, Ind. and the greater Vigo County area. VCSC offers traditional elementary, middle and high schools, along with diverse learning opportunities, including robust Career and Technical pathways, early childhood education, virtual classes and more. At VCSC our goal is to develop lifelong learners and create community.
About Union Health Foundation
Union Health Foundation serves as a catalyst for improving community health through philanthropic leadership. By inspiring giving and building strong partnerships, the Foundation supports Union Health and addresses the evolving health needs of the Wabash Valley.