There are days when a small snack can make a huge difference, especially for a child trying to learn, focus, and feel connected at school. That’s why we’re thrilled to share that Snack & Succeed has officially launched at Faris Elementary School in Hutchinson!
On Thursday, February 19, we joined the staff and students at Faris for a ribbon‑cutting celebration to kick off this new program that’s all about helping kids thrive in the classroom. Snack & Succeed provides easy access to healthy snacks throughout the school day, making sure hunger isn’t standing in the way of learning.
This project came to life thanks to a powerful partnership between Heartland Credit Union and Faris Elementary, supported in part by a Community Development Grant from the Cornerstone Foundation. Hunger is one of the 12 Development Issues identified by the National Credit Union Foundation as a barrier to economic and personal well‑being, and Snack & Succeed directly addresses that challenge in our community.
As our President & CEO, Dan Springer, shares:
“Food insecurity has a real impact on a child’s ability to learn, focus, and participate. We’re honored to help support a meaningful solution for the students and staff at Faris. As a credit union, our commitment extends beyond the financial success of our members, striving to strengthen the well‑being of the entire community.”
The Snack Cabinet
At the center of Snack & Succeed is the Snack Cabinet, fully stocked with nutritious snacks that teachers can access throughout the day. This also brings much‑needed relief to educators who, until now, were spending their own money each month to keep snacks on hand for students who needed them.
Faris Elementary Principal Jamie Tilton shared how meaningful this support truly is:
“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Heartland Credit Union and the dedicated, behind‑the‑scenes support provided to our students and staff. The Snack & Succeed program plays a vital role in supporting our teachers and ensuring that students’ basic needs are met, allowing them to stay focused, engaged, and ready to learn. We are excited about the future of this program and the meaningful impact it will continue to have on student leadership, growth, and success.”
The Snack Squad
One of our favorite parts of Snack & Succeed? The Snack Squad — a team of sixth‑grade leaders who operate the school’s weekly snack cart. They’ll deliver snacks to classrooms, manage inventory, and serve their classmates. It’s hands‑on leadership in action, and it aligns perfectly with Faris’s commitment as a Leader in Me school. These students aren’t just delivering snacks, they’re building confidence, responsibility, and connection.
Get Involved
Heartland’s initial donation will sustain the program for roughly its first year, but the long‑term vision belongs to the entire community. Local businesses, organizations, and supporters can all play a role in helping Snack & Succeed continue to grow.
If you or your organization would like to support Snack & Succeed, please reach out to:
Heather Sazama at Faris Elementary
620.615.5000
sazama.heather@usd308.com
We’re so proud to stand alongside Faris Elementary as Snack & Succeed begins making a daily difference for students, teachers, and families. This is “People Helping People” in action, and we can’t wait to see the impact it creates.
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