The Break Box Project: Feeding Students, Fueling Futures

Every student deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive—without the shadow of hunger standing in the way. In the Douglas County School System, the Break Box Project is doing just that by providing food security for students who need it most.

Food insecurity is a reality for many families in our community. When a student is worried about where their next meal will come from, it becomes nearly impossible to focus on academics, extracurriculars, or long-term goals. The Break Box Project steps in to remove that barrier.

Through the Break Box Project, Partners in Education provides food boxes to students across the Douglas County School System—and thanks to Papa Johns' $3,250 donation, even more students will be supported.

What Is a Break Box?

A Break Box is a thoughtfully packed food box made available to students experiencing hunger. These boxes are stocked with a variety of nutritious, accessible items that help ensure no student has to choose between learning and meeting a basic need.

Thanks to the support of Partners in Education (PIE) and local donors, students throughout the district can discreetly access the food they need—no questions asked, no shame attached.

Empowering Students Beyond the Classroom

The Break Box Project isn’t just about providing food. It’s about developing leadership and responsibility.

Students across the district take part in:

• Managing pantry inventory

• Restocking shelves

• Assembling food boxes

• Coordinating distribution

This program gives young people hands-on experience in organization, service, communication, and teamwork—skills that strengthen their confidence and prepare them for future careers.

Expanding Access Across All 35 Schools

The Douglas County School System includes:

• 20 elementary schools

• 8 middle schools

• 5 high schools

• 2 specialty programs (CCI & Success Center)

With 26,000+ students, including 12 Title I schools, the goal is clear: implement the Break Box Project in every school within the district. Consistent funding is essential to keeping pantries stocked, ensuring students can access food discreetly and consistently.

Looking Ahead: Summer Support

Food insecurity doesn’t end when school lets out for summer.

If funding allows, PIE plans to:

• Host designated grocery pickup days at schools

• Partner with community organizations like Meals on Wheels

• Utilize centralized distribution points such as First Presbyterian Church

This expansion would ensure that students continue receiving support year-round—especially during months when hunger can become even more challenging.

Why This Matters

Across the country, the socioeconomic achievement gap is persistent and deeply felt. Poverty impacts attendance, academic performance, emotional health, and long-term outcomes. PIE’s Break Box Project is a direct response to these challenges.

By meeting a basic need—access to food—PIE helps:

• Improve attendance

• Support academic achievement

• Reduce dropout risks

• Promote long-term success for students regardless of background

It takes a community to support a child, and through initiatives like this, our community is stepping up to ensure every student has the chance to succeed.

Partners in Education remains committed to strengthening these efforts and building a future where food insecurity is never a barrier to learning.