Food for Thought Campaign

Geographic Scope: Moorhead Area Public Schools, ISD 152, Moorhead, Minnesota

Program Type: Community fundraising/donation campaign (not a traditional grant)

Program Overview

The Food for Thought campaign is a charitable initiative to provide milk, snacks, and meals to students in Moorhead Area Public Schools who cannot afford them. The foundation raises funds from community donors and distributes support through the schools' food and nutrition services.

Community Need

• Student Population: Over 900 of 2,600 K-4 elementary students in Moorhead Area Public Schools are eligible for free or reduced-price meals
• Gap: Free/reduced meal programs do not cover milk and snack breaks or address gaps when families' financial situations change
• Impact: For some students, the daily snack break is one of their primary meals

Fundraising Results

• 2017: Giving Hearts Day campaign raised $9,530+ to support milk and snack for K-4 students
• 2018: Over 180 donors raised $13,900 for milk/snack and meals support
• 2019: Campaign continued through Giving Hearts Day on February 14

Primary Funding Vehicle

Giving Hearts Day (February annually)

• Co-hosted by: Dakota Medical Foundation, Impact Foundation, and Alex Stern Family Foundation
• Donations are matched to maximize impact
• Website: www.givingheartsday.org

Additional Support

• Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program: $1,500 awarded (2017)
• Alex Stern Family Foundation Grants: $10,000 operational grants (2016, 2017, 2018) supporting Food for Thought and foundation operations
• Community Fundraisers: PB&J School Lunch Fundraiser (example: July 22, 2017 at Junkyard Brewery)

Organization Mission

Moorhead Legacy Education Foundation strives to enhance the educational experience of all students in Moorhead Area Public Schools ISD 152, enhance school district programs and facilities, and create an endowment for the future.

How to Support/Donate

Primary Giving Opportunity: Giving Hearts Day (Annual - February)

1. Visit www.givingheartsday.org on the designated date (typically mid-February)
2. Search for Moorhead Schools Legacy Foundation
3. Make a donation to the Food for Thought campaign
4. Donations made on Giving Hearts Day are matched by partner foundations
5. Tax deduction receipt emailed upon completion

Alternative Giving Methods:

• Schedule donations in advance through the website
• Donate online at www.moorheadlegacy.org
• Participate in community fundraisers (e.g., school lunch events)
• Contact the foundation directly for additional giving options

Donation Information:

• Tax-deductible contributions
• Receipts provided via email
• All funds support milk, snack, and meal programs for K-4 elementary students on free/reduced-price meal plans

Contact for Donation Inquiries:
Moorhead Legacy Education Foundation
PO Box 1006
Moorhead, MN 56561-1006
Email: [contact address on website]
Website: www.moorheadlegacy.org