When Jeff Moore, vice president of sales at St. Louis-based Lange Cos., heard about The Soulard School, he knew it was something that Lange Cos. could support.
A small public charter elementary school in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis, the school states that it focuses on a community-centered, hands-on approach to education while placing an emphasis on academics, social-emotional growth and strong relationships between students, families and teachers.
Students pay no tuition and receive personalized attention.
“As soon as I learned the students have a culinary program, and 28% of the students were at or below poverty level, I knew I wanted to help and that Lange absolutely could,” Moore says.
Moore and Lange Cos.’ Midwest team have donated fresh fruits and vegetables to support the school’s nationally recognized nutrition and culinary arts program for several years; this year, the company expanded the partnership with employees volunteering in the kitchen once a month.
Lange Cos. volunteers help wash, prepare and serve some of the produce the school receives every week, offsetting an estimated $65,000 each year in food and staffing costs.
Moore says, for him, the most rewarding aspect of the project is knowing that Lange Cos. is making a difference in helping with child nutrition and that the contributions of fresh produce free up other funds for the school’s budget.
“Equally special to me is the passion and dedication Sarah Christman (co-founder and executive director) has for making a real difference in so many young students’ lives,” he adds.
Moore says the project’s biggest impact on the school and the students is their gaining knowledge of eating healthfully and having access to and discovering a large variety of fruits and vegetables.
Students also learn how to prepare fresh produce and healthy meals for themselves, he says.
