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At Alden-Conger School, a new initiative is underway to ensure no child goes hungry — even when school is not in session.

The Knights’ Food Locker program has been launched to provide weekend and holiday meals to students in grades 5 through 8 who may not have consistent access to food outside of the school day.

This program is a direct response to the growing concern that one in four children in the United States experience food insecurity, meaning they don’t always know where their next meal will come from.

The idea for the Knights’ Food Locker came from Alden-Conger senior Markey Samp. She was inspired after learning about the backpack food program during a church service at Grace Lutheran Church. Motivated to make a difference in her own school, Markey reached out to Dave Drommerhausen, who, along with his late wife Julie Drommerhausen, a former first-grade teacher at Alden-Conger, helped start the backpack program for Albert Lea Schools. Their legacy and guidance have been instrumental in shaping this new initiative.

Markey pointed out that students in fifth through eighth grades are too young to get jobs, which limits their ability to buy snacks or food for themselves.

“They just don’t have the means to get what they need,” she said. “If we can help them even a little bit, that can take away a lot of stress.”

In addition to coordinating local fundraising, Markey has actively applied for grants to help launch and sustain the program for the future.

The program is designed to provide discreet food support, allowing students to take home meals over weekends and school breaks when access to school-provided breakfast and lunch is unavailable.

Students will be able to “shop” at the Knights’ Food Locker, where they can select two lunch entrees, two breakfast items, and four snacks — specifically two breads and two fruits. This gives students both choice and dignity while ensuring they get balanced, shelf-stable nutrition.

Parents will be able to sign their child or children up for the program during the back-to-school open house on Aug. 26, or they can contact the school office to request an application.

“Students come to school with all kinds of challenges,” staff member Erica Samp said. “Hunger shouldn’t be one of them. If we can help students feel secure and nourished, they’ll be more prepared to learn, grow, and thrive.”

At this time, Knights’ Food Locker is only accepting monetary donations. All funds go directly toward purchasing nutritious food and necessary supplies. It is estimated that $10,500 will be needed to start and sustain the program for one school year, which covers the cost of two carts and food for participating students, approximately $185 per child. Although the exact number is not yet known, the program plans to serve at least 50 students during the 2025–26 school year.

The Alden-Conger Student Council and National Honor Society will be collecting donations at the Morin Lake Days Parade on Saturday. Students will be wearing their Student Council or National Honor Society shirts and carrying backpacks to gather monetary donations from parade attendees.

How you can help

• Make a one-time or monthly monetary donation: Make checks to Alden-Conger School, and in the memo, Knights’ Food Locker or donate online at https://knights.revtrak.net/ under Donations
• Consider sponsoring a student for the school year for $185.00
• Help spread the word by sharing with friends, family and local businesses
• Donate in person at the Morin Lakes Day Parade on Saturday

Every donation, large or small, makes a difference. Community members, alumni, businesses and organizations are encouraged to get involved.

If you would like to donate or learn more about the Knights’ Food Locker, contact the Alden-Conger School at 507-874-3240 or email kflprogram@ac242.us.