Trinity, FL, [February 22, 2023] – theChapel, a church in Trinity, FL, is pleased to announce their donation to Cypress Elementary School in Pasco County which will cover the cost of lunches for children in need for the remainder of the school year.
Prior to the donation to the school, these 1st to 5th-grade students were facing ridicule for being the few children to be served cold, cheese sandwiches versus hot lunches like others in their classes. According to Cypress Elementary teachers, many of these students opted to not eat and skip lunch for fear of facing embarrassment.
The COVID-19 pandemic and recent economic challenges have greatly impacted families across the country, including those in Pasco County. As a result, some families have faced financial challenges, including difficulty in providing their children with hot, nutritious meals. Nicole Lyn Morales, Food & Nutrition Services Manager for Pasco County Schools has since stepped in to raise funds so that each student at Cypress Elementary School and surrounding schools is provided with proper lunches each day.
“I have found with the rising cost of living that many families are struggling to put money in their student’s lunch account. I have started a fund called No Cheese Sandwich,” shared Mrs. Morales who continued by saying that even still, “school may be the only warm meal offered to them that day.”
This initiative is part of theChapel’s ongoing efforts to support youth in the local community. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the church hosted drives that served families struggling with food insecurity and those who generally relied on the school system for meals.
“Inflation and high food prices affect us all differently. We know that families are struggling right now, and it may not necessarily be because of a lack of work, but the rising cost of living,” shared Mark Quattrochi, Lead Pastor of theChapel. “Embarrassment and ridicule are never part of God’s heart for people. Knowing this, we made sure that these kids, who may be food insecure, know God sees them and their family situation. We are supposed to be the hands and feet of Christ, and we are privileged as a church to show His love in this way.”
Cypress Elementary School and surrounding schools continue to seek support in this area. If you would like to help Cypress Elementary School, you can mail cash or a check to “Cypress Elementary at 10055 Sweet Bay Court, New Port Richey Fl 34654.” The check can be made out to “Cypress Elementary FNS” with ‘No Cheese Sandwich’ in the memo. To help other local schools in your area, please contact them directly to learn how you can support the students.
About:
theChapel is a community of believers & followers of Jesus from all types of backgrounds, coming together with this goal in mind: Know God, Find Freedom, Discover Purpose, and Make a Difference. When you’re here, you belong before you believe – always.
We are a non denominational church and part of the ARC (which is the Association of Related Churches) really…we’re a bunch of people from different backgrounds and different life experiences, trying to figure it out.
Location: 8833 Mitchell Blvd, Trinity, FL 34655
Media Contact:
Riley Howe
theChapel
Riley@thechapel.cc
727-560-1015