Proving the Rotary motto of "Service above Self," Allentown West Rotary Club asked Northwestern and Parkland school districts what their greatest need was for students.

They were told 12 percent to 15 percent of students qualify for federal assistance through the low or no cost meals eaten at school.

Many of those school lunches are the main meal of the day for the students with little food in the evening or on weekends.

The Rotarians already provide food to community members through the Christ's Church at Lowhill Food Pantry.

They began looking for ways to provide nutritious food supplements for the at-risk children to take home on a Friday to get them through the weekend.

These snack packs contain nonperishable food items such as cereal, one-dish meals, fruit and healthy snacks along with personal hygiene products.

All items are distributed confidentially by the schools to economically disadvantaged students.

Rotary District 7430 provided $2,500 to the Allentown West Rotary Club, which raised an additional $2,500 toward the project.

Rotarians and the Interact Club members (youth Rotary) recently met to pack the food supplies for distribution.

They are being presented on a bi-monthly basis.

Christ's Church at Lowhill Food Pantry is able to cover the cost of one week's supply of food for Northwestern.

The same services will be supplied to Parkland students as soon as partners are found to help with the cost of the snack packs.

Sustainability is important and is the goal of the Rotarians to maintain this project for a long period of time.

Fundraisers have been held but partners are being sought.

For ways to support Operation Snack Pack, contact gfzimm@ptd.net or call 610-395-0763.