FAYETTEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – Action Pathways Head Start has taken extra measures to ensure families within their program are provided with everyday necessities during COVID-19 closures. Diapers and wipes were provided for families who needed them, along with activity packets. Each Head Start location created the activity packets, allowing parents to continue to work with their children while at home.
“It is very important to try to maintain continuity of services. Children learn quickly, but they also forget quickly without that continuity,” said Annie Kelly, Child Services Manager of Action Pathways Head Start.
Action Pathways Head Start also partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina to create nutrition boxes for families who may not have access to food during this time. 120 families were provided with these boxes, filled with enough food for two weeks.
“The Food Bank was pleased to collaborate with our Action Pathways Head Start program to offer access to wholesome, nutritious food boxes that would assist families in planning ahead for any hardships that they may experience due to the COVID-19 crisis,” Interim Food Bank Director, Cortez Phillip said.
With the recent news of local schools being closed until at least May 15, Action Pathways Head Start plans to reach out to more parents and continue these efforts as much as they can with the resources they have. To help provide additional resources to the Food Bank to purchase food for these boxes, please visit hungercantwait.org.
###
About Action Pathways Head Start
Action Pathways believes that education is the key to a sustainable future for individuals and communities. Building a foundation for lifelong learning begins at an early age. That’s why Action Pathways Head Start is focused on providing the right start in a safe, age-appropriate learning environment for children from birth to age five, including children with special needs and pregnant women.
All children that are enrolled in Action Pathways Head Start centers receive breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks. Meal service is included at Head Start and Early Head Start (which serves our youngest children) because of our comprehensive approach. We recognize that good nutrition is an important part of helping children to be successful learners.
About Action Pathways Second Harvest Food Bank
A proud member of Feeding America, Action Pathways Second Harvest Food Bank of Southeast North Carolina serves seven counties: Bladen, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Robeson, and Sampson. With a large rural service area, the organization relies on strong partnerships with over 260 churches, food pantries, and other nonprofits to distribute food to those in need. In southeast North Carolina, over 18 percent of people are at risk of hunger. SHFB is committed to improving access to healthy foods; advocating for those in need; empowering the community with emergency assistance and education.