On November 18, we hosted a ribbon cutting at Highland Elementary School to celebrate the launch of a Family Food Market at the school. The market is a joint effort of the school, St. Louis Area Foodbank (SLAFB) and Little Bit, funded in part by the Bayer Fund and Fresh Thyme Market. It represents the fifth in-school food market – and first in the Riverview Gardens School District – jointly managed by SLAFB and Little Bit in areas with limited access to healthy food options.

Thanks to KSDK-TV for reporting on the event! Watch segment here.

The in-school model is designed to empower families with choice and healthier options and we believe will have a significant impact on student attendance and performance by reducing the health risks and anxiety around food insecurity. It’s another important way we are working with SLAFB to improve food access in underserved St. Louis communities. Together, we also host monthly mobile food markets at three school locations, which are open to area residents as well.