Teachers are busy, and by the end of the day, many feel emotionally and physically exhausted. Food Hugs was created as a way to take the burden of evening meal preparation off our educator’s plates. Instead of spending time on their feet in the kitchen after work, educators come home with a full family meal. 

The program name, Food Hugs, came from a teacher who told us that the meals felt like a warm hug from the community after a day of teaching. 

Food Hugs officially launched during the 2022-2023 school year and quickly became an educator favorite. This past school year, PrincipalsConnect supplied 4,413 family meals to 15 Kansas City Public Schools. That’s over 17,000 individual meals! More than 35 PrincipalsConnect advisers and community volunteers helped pack and distribute food. 

PrincipalsConnect is so thankful to our community partners who sponsored monthly meals this past year: Hallmark, JE Dunn, Kauffman Foundation, Tom and Jan Kreamer and United Way.

We need monthly sponsors for take-home dinners. If that fits within your company’s vision or philanthropic interests, contact us.

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I just think this is the best thing ever! I have been teaching since 1985 and no one has ever done this for us before! I so appreciate it!! Thank you!!!!!!

Teacher
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This is one of the great ways I feel like our staff can feel valued, seen and appreciated.

Dana-Mae AbramMartin Luther King, Jr. Elementary, Principal
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I greatly appreciate all of the times you all provided meals. Sometimes they came right on time because it was a struggle month. This program is a blessing.

Teacher
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I came to school and I was like YES, this is awesome! I have two little kids, and this helps me tremendously. It's a lifesaver, so thank you!

Ms. LawrenceTeacher
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As a single, childless, first-year teacher, this program has helped me more than I’d like to admit. I live paycheck to paycheck. Although I don’t have a family, having these generous portions truly helped me stay afloat.

Teacher
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It makes our day go a little smoother knowing we don't have to go home and cook.

Ms. JonesTeacher, Longfellow Elementary
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This has been such a nice program. Not only has the food been delicious and much appreciated, but it gives teachers/staff more time for their own kids, activities, and even school work. It is uplifting that people are willingly to support this program for us. Thank you so much!

Teacher