The ongoing federal government shutdown is creating stress and uncertainty for many families in our community and across New York, especially those who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). With funding disrupted as of Nov. 1, we recognize the impact this may have on families’ ability to purchase groceries.

Please know that the well-being of our children, families, staff, and community members remains our highest priority. Our school will continue to provide free breakfast and lunch to all enrolled students every school day, ensuring that every child has access to nutritious meals.

We are committed to sharing resources and information as they become available. The following options may be able to help offset temporary challenges. We encourage you to share them with anyone who may benefit from a little extra help or hope during this time.

• Sullivan County Food Pantry Guide

• A Single Bite’s Family Meal Program

  • Sign up for the Family Meal Program online

Additionally, Rockland Elementary School’s Student Council and Rockland Middle/High School’s Interact Club are hosting Thanksgiving food drives through Nov. 21. The schools are collecting non-perishable food items for the local pantry for families in need. Students may bring in donation items and place them in the collection boxes located in classrooms.

Grade-level suggestions:

• Pre-K & K - Canned corn or beans

• Grades 1 & 2 - Stuffing

• Grades 3 & 4 - Cranberry sauce

• Grade 5 - Can or jar of gravy

• Grade 6 - Box of instant potatoes

• Grade 7 - Pasta

• Grade 8 - Sauce

• Grade 9 - Anything boxed (i.e. cereal, stuffing, cake mix, potatoes)

• Grade 10 - Canned soup

• Grade 11 - Peanut butter/jelly

• Grade 12 - Canned veggies