With more families in the district experiencing food insecurity as the cost of groceries rises, Rowe Elementary School, Talbot Community School and Deering High School are seeking donations of healthy snacks for hungry students.

“We are hopeful that some local businesses or individual citizens would consider a snack drive during the holiday season or a direct donation,” said Tina Mikkelsen, community coordinator at Rowe and Deering. She and Talbot Partnership Developer Kathy Cole are coordinating the donation effort.

The snacks donated should be individually packaged items. Examples include cheese snack crackers, fruit gummies, pretzels, granola bars, fruit bowls and fruit pouches.

The snacks will be distributed through the schools’ food pantry by teachers or social workers to students as needed, along with other after-school food items.

Donations may be dropped off at the school office on any school day, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at each school. The schools can also arrange a pick-up time as well. For questions or more information, please contact Tina Mikkelsen mikket@portlandschools.org or Kathy Cole at colek@portlandschools.org