Meals 'til Monday - Latest Blog Entries

Check Out the Latest Fundraisers

Thu, 03 May 2012 21:24:00 -0500

If you would like to have some pictures of your loved ones taken and raise money for MTM at the same time, please check out this link for more details.

Planning to get your child's teacher a thank you gift at the end of the school year but do not know what to buy? Is an educator retiring, and you want to honor them? Thankful for a bus driver that safely transports your kiddos day after day to and from school? We have the perfect, affordable, and unique way to tell them how you feel. Please check out this link for more details.

Dine Out to Raise Funds

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 20:33:00 -0600

Want to eat out this week? We hope you will mark your calendar for Wednesday, December 7, 2011 and head to Buffalo Wild Wings. Before you do, print out this coupon to take with you. When you present it, 15% of your bill will be donated to the Elida Optimist Club, who have graciously chosen MTM to benefit from their Christmas giving this year. Print the coupons, share them with everyone you see, and enjoy a meal out 12-7-11.

Dodge Balls to Dodge Hunger

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 10:43:00 -0600

The Elida High School Student council invites you to form a team and enter a dodge ball tournament on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at Elida High School at 2:00 pm. Visit this page of our website for more details, or contact Bryan Horn at bhorn@elida.k12.oh.us. Entry forms can be downloaded here. Proceeds will benefit all the schools who partner with MTM. Don't want to participate, but know a group that would? Why not pass on this information to them or even offer to help pay their entry fees? It is sure to be a high energy day! Come and join in the fun as a participant or a spectator!

Keeping Hunger on the Run

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 07:30:00 -0500

5K & Half Marathon early entries must be postmarked by September 30, 2011. If you are planning on entering, why not do so right now? The entry fee will go up after 9.30.11. Visit the race page of our website for race detials, to download entry & pledge forms, or for a link to register on line. Your early entry is a huge help to the race committee. Thank you so much to those who have already entered!

Don't want to compete, but you'd like to be a part of this fundraiser? Here are a couple ways:

*We could still use some door prizes. If you or someone you know would like to donate a prize, please email us at mealstilmonday@yahoo.com.

*The race page has a link for you to print off a flyer advertising the race. Help us get the word out by printing off and distributing or posting as many of these as you can.

Keeping Hunger on the Run

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 08:13:00 -0500

This year's race fundraiser will be a 5k and a 1/2 Marathon. More details about the race can be found on our website. We are currently seeking sponsorships at a few different levels. The sponsor letter can be downloaded on the race page.

A recent write up found here is advertising the race and helping us get the word out about Meals 'til Monday.

We hope you will find a way to be involved with this fundraiser!

Our Wonderful Partners

Fri, 27 May 2011 06:49:00 -0500

We need to recognize several who have given generously over the past few months.

Lima Temple Christian school and Dollar General conducted food drives. Due to their help, two weeks of sacks were packed at no cost to MTM. The donations from Dollar General will continue through May 31, 2011, which means we will start the 2011-12 school year with food ready and waiting for us.

The Lima Junior Service League, a great organization dedicated to promoting literacy among children, donated books for each of our MTM recipients. How excited the kids will be when they get a brand new story book along with their sack of food this week.

Webb Insurance, Thin & Healthy, Perry Local Schools, Lima Rotary, and OmniSource have all recently made donations from fundraisers they organized.

Thank you so much! Your partnership has made a significant impact, and we are so grateful. Thank you also to the many individuals that give either a one time gift or faithfully continue to make donations. It is making a big difference in the lives of 191 children!

OmniSource Fundraiser

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 07:43:00 -0500

Do you have metal to recycle? Please take it to OmniSource Saturday, April 16 - Thursday, April 21, 2011 to benefit MTM & you! All of the details for this fundraiser can be found here.

Interview with Michelle Leach

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 06:47:00 -0500

Students at Bath Elementary received their weekend meals for the first time last week. MTM works closely with the guidance counselors at the schools. They determine the need and oversee the selection of students for this program. Michelle Leach is the guidance counselor at Bath, and we recently asked her a few questions to continue our education about hunger in our area.

MTM: How long have you been a guidance counselor? What led you to the decision to choose this job?

ML: This is currently my second year at Bath Elementary as a school counselor, and I absolutely love it! I am convinced there is no better "job" to have. Honestly, I truly do not even think of my position as a job, because I am so fortunate to assist students, faculty, and parents everyday! Everyday is a blessing to help Bath Elementary students strive to reach their fullest potential in every aspect of his/her life.

Actually prior to becoming a guidance counselor, I was an eighth grade math teacher. As a teacher, I tried so hard to meet every need of my students while still pushing them academically. I found the rapport that was developed with some of my students was so critical in developing the student into a happy, successful student! As a guidance counselor now, I try to reach out to every student and focus on the skills and attitudes needed for an individual's successful academic achievement, career development, and personal/social growth.

MTM: Please share with us the indicators you see when a child is lacking enough to eat or proper nutrition.

ML: There is no doubt that children are coming to school hungry. This is not a problem that is isolated in certain areas. We all have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, which makes students concentrate and gain significant knowledge throughout the school day. In reality, every meal is important! When a child is lacking enough to eat or proper nutrition, a child becomes extremely distracted, unable to focus, and then possibly becomes a "behavior" problem within the classroom. Children who are fed have the best opportunity to reach his/her fullest potential.

In my opinion, there are two types of students who come to school hungry:

-The first is the openly outward student who admits that he or she is hungry. There is no denial that he or she does not eat. However, at the same time, these are the students who are truly so appreciative of programs like Meals 'til Monday or even a granola bar from a teacher's desk.

-The second is the student who will not openly discuss if he/she is hungry, however if it comes up in conversation they will disclose this important information. They are students who do not complain of their hunger and are usually well cared for.

Just a story to share, a student came into his classroom so very excited! The teacher then began to ask why he was so excited... his response, because we can use our food stamps tomorrow and we will have food in our house again.

MTM: Why were you willing to take on the extra work and make time to partner with Meals 'til Monday?

MI: We feel so fortunate that Meals 'til Monday were willing to take Bath Elementary into their program. I also need to thank Meals 'til Monday for the opportunity I had as I was able to witness the look on our children's faces when I briefly explained the program and its opportunity. The students were so appreciative, excited, and thankful – all in one! Giving the opportunity to our students at Bath Elementary to be a recipient for Meals 'til Monday was honestly one of the highlights of my guidance career. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your wonderful work! Our community is so fortunate to have the Meals 'til Monday outreach, because our response has been nothing but positive!

MTM: What are you hoping to see happen as a result of these meals being distributed?

ML: As a result of Meals being distributed, I hope to see both teachers and students seeing the positive effects of a fed child through greater attentiveness, fewer behavior problems, and a happy, confident, successful student.

MTM: What would you like people to know about the kids who are coming to school hungry?

ML: We know for many families this is a tough economic time. Unfortunately, a hungry child seems to be a student at a disadvantage. There is no one certain look of hunger, besides the child internally thinking about when his/her next meal may be. All children deserve the right to eat, but for some households, it just isn't that easy.

MTM: Thank you so much Michelle for taking the time to answer these questions. Distributing meals is a big part of what MTM does, but this organization also has the goal of raising awareness of the hunger needs in our area, increasing compassion, and seeing others' needs as more important than our own. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3

Photo Session Fundraiser

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 08:24:00 -0500

The details are now available on our website for a fundraiser sponsored by Jessica Green of Loving Life Visions. Please check out our Events page to find our more information. If you are considering getting some pictures taken, this is a fun and practical way to make a donation to Meals 'til Monday.

The Contributions of Many

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 09:45:00 -0500

Long overdue is the recognition of the many donors that provide the funding of Meals 'til Monday. We have added a page to our website where you can go and see the local businesses, organizations, and churches that have given needed items and monetary donations.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 08:34:00 -0600

The staff & students are hosting a dine-in & carry-out spaghetti dinner fundraiser Friday, April 15, 2011 at the Perry High School Cafeteria. $5.00 tickets are on sale now in the Perry High School & Elementary offices. Times, contact information, what each dinner includes, and additional details can be found on our Events page. Mark your calendars now for 4-15-11, and enjoy a spaghetti dinner to support Meals 'til Monday.

Interview with Dr. Mary Iiames

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:27:00 -0600

Last week MTM announced that Perry would soon be receiving weekend food through Meals 'til Monday. MTM asked Perry's guidance counselor, Dr. Mary Iiames, a few questions to gain insight to her job and the students at Perry.

MTM: Would you please give us a brief job description of a school guidance counselor?

MI: I have often stated that a school counselor is blessed with the job of a “paid missionary.” I am a “jack of all trades.” I am foremost a counselor. I provide individual and group counseling to all of our Perry school population, including students, parents, and staff (and anyone else who enters my door). I am also the test coordinator for our district and school. I assist with the assessment map for the school year; I order tests; I administer tests to identify students with special needs (including learning disabilities and gifted and talented); I also plan for the Ohio Achievement Assessment in our school. In addition, I am the District’s Value Added Specialist which means that I receive the results of our district’s value added report and share those results with the administrators and staff. I am also the Intervention Assistance Team Coordinator in our school. I coordinate school/classroom and parent/guardian efforts to help children succeed academically, behaviorally, and socially. I am providing math intervention in the sixth grade math classes (I’m embracing my “inner math teacher”). Basically, I have my hand in many pots. I AM BLESSED! “When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them – to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift from God.” (Ecc. 5:19). Amen.

MTM: What are the potential benefits for a child personally and scholastically if hunger and food insecurity were eliminated?

MI: A satisfied child is better able to focus in school, because (s)he is not distracted by his/her empty, growling stomach. Research has shown that certain the vitamins and minerals in foods can actually boost an individual’s attention and IQ! In addition, the nutrients in food provide children with greater immunity to bacterial and viral illnesses that lead to school absences and lost instruction. Finally, the stress that is caused by hunger and food insecurities only further distracts a child in school.

MTM: For many of us, it is difficult to comprehend how a child in our area can be going hungry. There are food pantries, soup kitchens, discount grocery stores, and government assistance. Why do you think Meals 'til Monday is necessary to get food into these kids' hands? What factors do you see that create the problem of a child not having enough food?

MI: I think that people often believe that food stamps will feed a family for a month. That is absolutely not true!! Anyone who has been grocery shopping for the past few years has experienced the shock of skyrocketing food costs! Yes, food pantries and soup kitchens are extending opportunities to those in need, but transportation is required to enable a family to take advantage of these providers. When a family is struggling to maintain heat, electricity, and water in their home, money for fuel, insurance, and a working vehicle may not be available. If rumors about inflated fuel prices for this summer are true, then transportation issues and access to food providers will be further exacerbated.

MTM: In your job you see children that do not get enough to eat on a regular basis. Many people in our area do not, so what can you share with us to educate and eliminate stereotypes?

MI: Hungry children do not often complain about their hunger. Hungry children are not typically filthy and dirty. They are often in school every day, because school provides food. I once asked a child to describe a “perfect day,” expecting him to tell me about a fun day that he would have outside of school. To my surprise, he described a perfect day in which he came to school. How many children would make “school” the perfect setting for their perfect day? Hmmmm…

Secondly, not all parents of hungry children are horrible, selfish, addicted individuals. I know many parents who are proud, working individuals, who are struggling to provide shelter and clothing for their children. These parents make sure that their children are in school, and when they can find transportation, they are waiting in food pantry lines. They are caring, loving parents, who want a better life for their children.

MTM: We would like to thank Mary for the time she took to answer these questions. She has an inspiring passion and excitement about the children of Perry. We hope these questions and answers helped you gain a greater understanding of the needs of local children. If you would like to find out how you can be a part of the solution, please click here.

Prayer Request

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 08:02:00 -0600

We would like to take a moment and thank those of you who have prayed or are praying for Meals 'til Monday. We believe God is directing this ministry, and your prayers make a difference.

There is a specific area that could use prayer. We have been in conversation with another school about providing food for their students who are in need of weekend meals. God has already been at work, but we continue to need His leading and help with all that expanding will mean.

This is very exciting news! We look forward to sharing more details as they get worked out in the near future.

2 Tickets & a Shirt - Want them??

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 04:05:00 -0600

CONTEST TIME!

mTm's mission is 2 fold: raise awareness about local hunger needs & show Christ's love by providing food for them. There is a facebook contest going on right now that is about awareness. We want you to think about being hungry.

THE PRIZE:2 TICKETS TO LIVE NOW & MTM SHIRT.

To enter, complete the following sentence and post it on mTm's facebook page by 1-7-11: WHEN I AM HUNGRY ________________.

We will all care about people more when we attempt to understand what they are experiencing.

Thank You wtlw 44!

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 02:06:00 -0600

On Wednesday, December 29, 2010 Meals 'til Monday was given a great opportunity by Sheri Ketner and wtlw 44, Your Local Family Station. Sheri hosts Grace For Today, and MTM was invited to share about the organization and the upcoming worship night, LIVE NOW. Many thanks to Sheri and TV 44 for helping us get the word out about MTM, our needs, and God's work in our lives & MTM. If you would like to watch the interview, go to www.WTLW.com and search Grace For Today. It should show up in a list of results. Click on Grace for Today, and it will take you to a listing of their recent programs.

Win Free LIVE NOW Tickets on Facebook

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 02:58:00 -0600

On MTM's facebook page, post 1 WORD you use to describe God. For every 11 posts, 1 ticket to LIVE NOW will be given away. 1 post per person, please.

What a ONEderful chance to save mONEy & win a ONEderful prize for you or someONE you know. We ONEt you to spread the word to everyONE. Contest is dONE 11:59 pm 12/31/10. Then your chance will be gONE.

Winner(s) will be posted 1-1-11.

Free Tickets

Sun, 12 Dec 2010 13:44:00 -0600

Congratulations to Jessica Hays! She was the winner of Meals 'til Monday's contest on Facebook to win 2 free tickets to LIVE NOW on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at the UNOH Event Center.

There will be more contests to come, so if you haven't done so already, now would be a great time to find us on Facebook! You will not want to miss out on your chance to attend the worship night for free, as well as some other great prizes!

2 Nights Out

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:09:00 -0600

Don't forget to print off the necessary flyer here and eat supper at Buffalo Wild Wings on Wednesday, December 8. We'll see you there!

We are very excited about LIVE NOW, a Night of Worship on Sunday, January 16, 2011 at UNOH. Tickets are available in advance at Gifts of Joy for $5, or they can be purchased for $7 at the door. Meals 'til Monday is hosting this evening to celebrate the amazing God we serve. Additional details can be found here.

With Christmas coming, we encourage you to consider giving tickets for LIVE NOW to some of the people on your list. If you know of someone that loves live worship music, this would be a great gift. Maybe someone has been bugging you to tell them what you want for Christmas. Why not ask them to purchase tickets for this night for you and your family?

Feed Children While Feeding Yourself

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 06:26:00 -0600

We invite you to eat supper at Buffalo Wild Wings on Wednesday, December 8, 2010 from 5-9 pm. If you present the coupon you can obtain from our website, 15% of your food purchases will be donated to the Elida Optimist Club. The Elida Optimist Club has generously made Meals 'til Monday the recipient of their Christmas project. Mark your calendar to eat out that night, and spread the word!

Dodge Balls to Dodge Hunger

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:42:00 -0600

The Elida High School Student Council is sponsoring a Dodgeball tournament fundraiser to benefit Meals 'til Monday this coming Sunday, November 21 at 2 p.m. Students from all schools in grades 7-12 are elligible to enter. Entry forms, fees, and more details can be found on our website.

We invite all ages to come and watch this competition at the Elida Fieldhouse. Admission is free to spectators. We hope to see you there!