This post is part of the #SnacksForStudents program by Champions for Kids and The Motherhood, who helped me donate products and compensated me for my time. Opinions, experiences and photos shared here are all my own, and I hope you enjoy them.
This year I got to work with Champion For Kids and The Motherhood on a great project – #SnacksForStudents. With Lil C being in Elementary school I see daily the different kids and families and lifestyles that all attend school. And I have seen that there are some students that are less fortunate – and aren’t able to bring a snack with them to school. This year I am truly blessed to be able to work with Champions For Kids and one of my Local Schools to help the students that can use it the most.
A little about Snacks For Students:
- Champions for Kids, General Mills, Kellogg’s, Emerald and Kettle Chips have joined forces to make it simple for communities to provide basic resources for students through in-store donations.
- The Snacks for Students program is part of SIMPLE Giving, a Champions for Kids program that seeks to make it simple for shoppers to purchase and donate items children need.
- U.S. customers at more than 3,600 participating Walmart stores can purchase snacks and breakfast items for children and place them inside designated donation bins.
- All donations made in-store will stay in the local community and be distributed through school districts or youth-based organizations.
- In addition, Champions for Kids, General Mills, Kellogg’s, Emerald and Kettle Chips will provide 13 awards, totaling $45,000, to school districts and participating youth-based organizations based on the total number of donated items collected in each store
A little About Champions for Kids and SIMPLE Giving Programs
- In 2013, SIMPLE Giving began in 24 central Arkansas Walmart stores and was extended to Walmart stores across 11 states in 2014.
- The Snacks for Students program is the first of several campaigns to launch nationally, with the goal to provide resources for more than 10 million children in 2015.
- Champions for Kids makes it simple to give kids in your community the resources they need to thrive. Since 2004, Champions for Kids has served more than 5.4 million children across all 50 states through in-store donation campaigns, service projects and community events.
When I went to my local Walmart to purchase some snacks to donate, I realized that they didn’t have the Donation bins in the front of the store. I talked to one of the managers, and learned that with the weather – many of the bins were delayed in shipment. But I didn’t let that stop me. I was determined to make a purchase especially for my Local Champions For Kids School – McGlinnen Elementary. So off shopping Peanut and I went.
Some of the brands that are participating in #SnacksForStudents are Kelloggs, General Mills, Emerald and Kettle Brand. I chose to stick with Kelloggs and General Mills because I knew many of the kids would love the snacks that they provide. 
With the different peanut allergies, I had to stay away from Nature Valley and Emerald. One thing that I kept my eye open for was also the items that had the Box Tops for kids. I figured while helping the school provide students in need with snacks, I could also help the school collect box tops!
Typically I hate any type of Grocery Shopping -but I have to say, I really enjoyed this trip. Not only was I not having to think about my family’s needs, but I got to shop for students that I knew wouldn’t have snacks otherwise. I think even Peanut had a fun time shopping.
Since the bin was not available at my local Walmart, I ended up taking my purchase directly to the school itself. I pre-arranged a time for peanut and I to drop off the snacks we purchased. This way the office would know I was coming and why I was there! When we got there, we were greeted with smiles and thanks! There were two Very special Students that were called down to the office to help us gather all the snacks and put them in a safe place. After that, Peanut and I got to spend some time visiting some of the kids in the classrooms! Everyone loved Peanut – and She loved the kids as well!
Make sure you keep an eye out in your local Walmart Stores for the Champions For Kids bins. Champions For Kids does promotions all through the year just to help out kids in need!
I absolutely love this program! My husband is a teacher in elementary school and I hear all too often about how some students can’t afford things as simple as a snack or a lunch. It’s so sad but then so heartwarming to know there are programs like Champions for Kids that really care and help! Thanks for spreading the word and being part of the solution!
This sounds like a great program and I have been hearing a lot about. I will be checking it out thanks for the great info 🙂