photo by: Josie Heimsoth/Journal-World

The Lawrence school district offices building, located at 110 McDonald Dr., is pictured in May 2025.

The Lawrence school district is launching a food drive for students and their families directly impacted by the loss of federal food assistance.

According to a message from Superintendent Jeanice Swift to district families, more than 1,100 students and their families are expected to be directly impacted by the loss of SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — benefits. The food drive is dubbed “Let’s Lift Lawrence,” and people in the community are invited to drop off shelf-stable food items from now until Nov. 19 at any Lawrence school location or the district offices at 110 McDonald Drive.

“Let’s Lift Lawrence will mobilize our school teams and community to serve as a support network at this critical time,” Swift said in the message. “We will partner with Just Food, and once immediate school needs are addressed — meal kits shared with our students and their families in schools and school pantries stocked — all additional food will be delivered to Just Food in support of the wider community.”

Julie Henry, the district’s director of nutrition and wellness, has developed recipes and a list of needed items list to support families. The full list is available on the district website.

The Lawrence Schools Foundation will also be introducing the Adopt A School Pantry initiative. With this program, local businesses and organizations can partner to help collect food donations to be distributed directly to school pantries across the district.

“These pantries play a vital role in ensuring that students and families have access to nutritious food during this challenging time,” Swift said.

Any businesses or organizations that are interested in participating or would like more details can reach out to djohnsto@usd497.org.

“Energy is building across our community for this effort, and by working together, we can help fill the gap for our children and families,” Swift said. “If you would like to volunteer in this effort, please reach out to your local neighborhood school. I know we will step up during this time to make a positive difference for our children, our schools, our Lawrence community.”