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On Friday, June 12, the Harris County School District (HCSD)’s School Nutrition Program (SNP) was the recipient of a donation that, in turn, benefits the students of Harris County.

State Farm Agent Becky Goldsmith presented Shelia Baker, assistant superintendent of support services, a check in the amount of $1,000. Goldsmith shared, “I chose to contribute the State Farm Good Neighbor Citizen Grant to the School Nutrition Program when I saw Shelia Baker on a local news station telling about the program.”

Baker was recently recognized for her expeditious efforts and leadership in creating a program to feed children when schools were abruptly closed due to COVID-19. Schools closed on Friday and food was served on Monday. During the closure from March 16 to May 18, the program provided 100,030 meals. As of June 13, the traditional June Seamless Summer Feeding program has served 14,472 meals.

Goldsmith added, “When I reached out to Shelia, she explained that due to COVID-19 school closures, the school nutrition program is operating at a deficit. Thinking of children having to go without food just broke my heart. I thought this was a perfect match for State Farm and my agency to help.”

“After hearing of our efforts to serve the students in Harris County during COVID-19 school closure, Mrs. Goldsmith contacted me to see how she could assist us. I explained that while our School Nutrition Program staff unselfishly prepares and distributes meals, because of the closure the department has not generated the usual steady funding from cafeteria purchases that support ongoing operating costs and expenditures. Currently, the department is operating at a deficit though they are still working to feed students in June for the Seamless Summer Feeding program. Mrs. Goldsmith immediately offered to provide financial support. We are incredibly grateful that she has a heart to give back to the community and help children,” Baker commented. The District serves approximately 5,700 students at the district’s eight locations and the Head Start program.

“I believe in paying it forward so I am also hoping others in the community will see this and hopefully, if able, will contribute as well. It takes all of us coming together and pitching in to help our neighbors in need,” Goldsmith added, “If you want to be a good neighbor and donate directly, you may contact the director of school nutrition, Shantal Strozier, at 706-628-4172, strozier-s@harris.k12.ga.us, or mail a check to the Harris County School District with “school nutrition program” in the memo line to HCSD, 132 Barnes Mill Road, Hamilton, GA 31811.”