Credit Union of America Makes $30K Donation to Help Feed the Children

(Wichita, KS - September 28, 2020) When the Pandemic hit in early spring, Credit Union of America (CUA) reached out to the school district that started the credit union in 1935.  We asked, “how can we help?”

Wichita Public Schools (WPS) offered several options. When we read about their Kids Eat Free project, we knew where we needed to help.  Over 77% (38,175) of WPS’ 49,375 students qualify for free or reduced lunches.  WPS's goal was to feed students while they were schooling at home, or their parents were either out of work or struggling even more than usual to provide food. 

Kids Eat Free was open to any student in the Wichita metro area, 18 and under, and they did not have to attend WPS.  There were no requirements or papers to fill out, making the program easy and anonymous for the families.   It was set-up with a COVID-safe drive-up method for distribution at multiple schools twice a week. Parents only had to bring their students with them to pick up meals for the entire week. Teachers manned the delivery drive-ups, as WPS’ COVID precautions prohibited CUA employees from volunteering. From March 25 thru May 2020, the program fed an average of 5,100 students each week and a total of 803,982 meals through August 12, 2020.  Emergency federal funds, the regular budget for feeding children, and the increased need created by the Pandemic initially prevented feeding every student in need.  Credit Union of America was pleased to provide a $30,000 gift to help feed the students and fill the funding gap. The donation was made in two separate presentations; the photo shows the $25,000 presentation.