MANKATO, MN (June 14, 2013)―A remarkable local sixth grader raised $2,700 for the BackPack Food Program this weekend by selling cupcakes, cookies and bars from the driveway of her North Mankato home. On Saturday, June 8, Lauren Senden, her parents, her grandparents, her best friend Riley and Riley’s mother, held their sixth annual one-of-a-kind bake sale featuring cowgirl cookies, owl cupcakes and edible flip-flops. Event-preparation and baking began early in May. Supplies for the 22 dozen cupcakes and other treats were purchased by Lauren’s parents, with support from a gift card donated by Hilltop Hy-Vee. “The BackPack Food Program has helped many families and it is so important for kids to be fed so they can stay focused in school. Its work is greatly needed in our community,” said Lauren. Customers placed their order and drank complementary lemonade while their baked goods were packaged by family members stationed in a pop-up camper parked in the driveway. Lauren’s grandfathers provided support by acting as cashiers. Many of the treats sold out before the stand closed for business at 5:30pm. Lauren is already planning for next year. She collected email addresses from customers so she can send them a reminder to stop by the first Saturday after school lets out. The BackPack Food Program discreetly provides low-income students with packs of nutritious, child-friendly meals to take home for weekends and school breaks. Launched in March 2010, enrollment during the 2012-2013 school year exceeded 500 students at four Mankato elementary schools—Franklin, Kennedy, Washington, and Rosa Parks. As community support increases, FOCP will implement the BackPack Food Program at additional Mankato area elementary schools. |
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