At Scholarship Prep, we are deeply committed to meeting the needs of our students and their families, especially those experiencing homelessness or the foster care system. One of our most impactful initiatives in Orange County is Food Love Friday, a food distribution organized in collaboration with Newsong Church's Mix Academy. This program is not just about distributing food; it’s about cultivating a sense of community and providing a reliable source of nourishment for those in need.

Kristen Crowe, our Chief Community Officer, shares the heart behind the initiative: "Food is a basic need—a basic need that not everybody has access to. We are a community school, and we really live by that, so our mission is to be a true support not just for our families but for the entire community."

Food Love Friday emerged from our efforts to develop the McKinney Vento program, addressing the specific needs of families in our community. Early conversations with Newsong Church revealed a high demand for food support, particularly during the pandemic. Since then, our partnership has flourished, allowing us to distribute around 10,000 pounds of food with each distribution to approximately 250-400 families.

Thanks to our collaboration with Second Harvest, each distribution features a wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and non-perishable items. This consistency and variety have made a significant impact, serving between 1,500 and 3,000 people each month. "Being one of the constant food distributions is a huge support for our families and the community," Kristen notes.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Crowe envisions transforming Food Love Friday into a true farmers market, featuring resource tables and support from various organizations. This expansion will enhance our ability to meet the diverse needs of our community, ensuring that Food Love Friday continues to be a beacon of hope and stability.