CMC Smart Snacks
The CMC Smart Snacks program provides healthy weekend snacks to kindergarten through fifth grade students, and their siblings, who qualify for the federal subsidized lunch program. The program serves Horry County, South Carolina, including the areas of Conway and Aynor.
In an attempt to combat the problem of inadequate nutrition for Horry County’s school-age population, Conway Medical Center’s Healthreach team joined with Horry County Schools to create the “CMC Smart Snacks” program. CMC Smart Snacks provides food during the weekend to kindergarten through fifth-grade students and their siblings who qualify for free or reduced school lunches. Each week these children receive nutritious, nonperishable food items such as cereal bars, fruit cups, pretzels, juice boxes, baked chips, pudding cups, crackers, or granola bars.
Children who do not have access to nutritious food are sick more often and more likely to be hospitalized. They can suffer growth impairment that precludes them from reaching their full physical potential. They are more likely to have poorer overall health, iron deficiency anemia, and developmental problems.
FEEDING LOCAL STUDENTS FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS
Smart Snacks has been in operation since March of 2005 and has provided almost $500,000 in provisions for children in Horry County. Smart Snacks currently serves 900 children in four area schools including; Waccamaw Elementary, Conway Elementary, Homewood Elementary and Midland Elementary. There are currently over 380 students on a waiting list for Smart Snacks.
HOW YOUR GIFT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
“I am very thankful that my daughter takes part in this program. She is happy every Friday afternoon when she gets home from school to show me all the snacks she receives. This program is very helpful for not only my family but for other families as well. Please continue with the Smart Snacks program for many years to come. Once again, thank you and keep up the hard work.”
– Parent of Smart Snacks recipient
Why Donate to CMC Smart Snacks
Donating to CMC Smart Snack, an organization that provides healthy food to school children in need on weekends, is crucial for several reasons.
Firstly, many children rely on school meals for their primary source of nutrition during the week, and weekends can leave a gap in their access to healthy food. By providing nutritious meals on weekends, we ensure these children continue to receive the sustenance they need to thrive physically and mentally.
Additionally, proper nutrition helps children stay focused and engaged in their education, contributing to better academic performance and long-term success. Your donation can help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with food insecurity, allowing children to concentrate on learning and growing rather than worrying about where their next meal will come from.
Furthermore, supporting CMC Smart Snacks helps to break the cycle of poverty. When children have access to consistent, healthy meals, they are more likely to stay in school, achieve better grades, and ultimately pursue higher education and better job opportunities. Your contribution not only provides immediate relief but also invests in a brighter, more stable future for these children and their communities.
“We cannot thank you enough from the bottom of our hearts for the help Smart Snacks have given our children. Every child participating in the program is in there because of a significant need. We continuously hear from parents about how grateful they are for Smart Snacks, and teachers see first-hand the impact the program is making. We are a poverty stricken school and we currently have 300 students in Smart Snacks and could easily feed an additional 300 children.”
– Assistant Principal, Waccamaw Elementary School
Thank You to Our CMC Smart Snacks Volunteers
Every Friday, community members and organizations come together to help our Healthreach team pack CMC Smart Snacks. These bags are then delivered to our schools and distributed to children to take home to eat during the weekend. We couldn’t do this without you!
