How volunteers ensure students in a Utah school district never go hungry

CLEARFIELD, Utah – The Davis School District is committed to ensuring all students receive essential nutrients seven days a week.

The district has a “Hunger Free Zone” program.

One of the program’s missions is to prepare pantry packages – small bags of food that students receive on Friday to fill any gaps if their families are struggling with food insecurity.

“This is one of the most rewarding things I have done in my career,” said Lorna Koci, director of No Hunger Zone. “It’s great to know that we’re helping all families and children get the food they need.”

Koci and an army of volunteers collect donations along with produce from the Bountiful Food Pantry and prepare meal kits. “We try to keep the pantry stocked with a few meals, a few snacks and a drink,” she said.

FOX13 caught up with Lorna as she was restocking parcels at the food pantry at Wasatch Elementary School, where more than half of the students receive food assistance. “Sometimes on weekends I get nervous wondering what access they (students) have to the stories we hear,” Principal Chad Sanders said. “I love that volunteers and donors are coming together to make this program possible for our children.”

District officials know this program would not be possible without the work of volunteers and Lorna. “She is absolutely fantastic and amazing,” said Robert Kinghorn, superintendent of local schools for the district.

It’s a labor of love for Lorna, who remembers what she calls “The Oatmeal Story,” about a preschooler who often came to school sad.

The student’s perspective changed after receiving help.

“The student said they got oatmeal for the weekend and it made their weekend, and they got the oatmeal from a bag in the pantry,” Lorna said. “I think this story shows how packaging can impact a child’s life.”

For making a community impact and addressing childhood hunger, Lorna and the Davis No Hunger Zone School District were recognized with Smith’s Zero Hunger – Zero Waste Hero Award for October.

If you would like to share a story of community members working to address food insecurity, please email [email protected].