Get Thrives bags at your child's school*
or pick up at any school meal location on Fridays!
* School participation varies. See below for details.
Things may be a little different due to COVID-19, but our mission remains the same - provide free weekend meals to any Brookline school family who may benefit from additional options over the weekend. This is the program's 3rd year in operations. In past years, the program has run at Lincoln, Pierce, Florida Ruffin Ridley (formerly CCS) and BEEP. Because not all students are currently learning inside Brookline public schools, Brookline Thrives has expanded to be available to all school families across the district. Depending on where your student is currently learning will determine where and when you may get Thrives bags (details below).
What is a Thrives bag? How does the program work?
What is in a weekend bag?
Here's an example of what a bag includes:
How does my student get Thrives bags?
Where to get Thrives bags depends on where you student is currently learning - physically inside a school building or at home.
For students learning in-person at Lincoln, Pierce, Ridley or select BEEP locations (Lynch, Beacon, Clark Rd or Putterham)
If your student is learning inside the school building, Thrives bags can be delivered to your student on Friday in school. Registration is required for in-school delivery. You may register at any time during the school year using any of these methods:
For all students learning at home OR attending in-person at BHS, Baker, Driscoll, Heath, Lawrence, or Runkle
Thrives bags will be available on Fridays at the same School Meal locations and times (click here for details). School meal pickup locations and times are subject to change. Please check the Food Services webpage for any changes.
Why does Brookline need a weekend food program?
In the 2018-19 school year, 14% of all Brookline Public Schools students received free or reduced meals. School administrators believe the actual need is much higher. Economic disparity is rising within Brookline. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of households earning less than $15,000 per year or more than $100,000 per year increased, while the number of households earning between $15,000-$99,000 decreased. The struggle to meet basic needs, including food, has a direct impact on the academic performance of Brookline students.
How can I help?
Brookline Thrives is a volunteer-run organization and your help is appreciated. You can:
Donate – $275 feeds one student every weekend during the school year. Any amount is appreciated.
What is a Thrives bag? How does the program work?
- Each Thrives bag contains two breakfast items, two lunch items and milk for the weekend PLUS 14 snacks for the entire week.
- Everything is shelf-stable, single-serve portions. Nothing needs to be refrigerated.
- Thrives can also accommodate most major food allergies and dietary restrictions.
- One bag feeds one child.
- Families may take bags for all children in their household.
- Because of COVID-19, the Thrives menu has been standardized (relatively the same each week). Thrives bags are packed in paper bags, stapled shut, to minimize touch points.
What is in a weekend bag?
Here's an example of what a bag includes:
- 2 shelf-stable 8oz. low fat milk boxes
- Two single-serve cereal bowls
- Macaroni & cheese single-serve cup
- Ramen or soup cup
- Variety of snacks, including granola bars, fig bar, crackers & cheese snack packs, and graham crackers
- Potted fruit (applesauce or diced fruit cups)
- Pressed fruit bar
How does my student get Thrives bags?
Where to get Thrives bags depends on where you student is currently learning - physically inside a school building or at home.
For students learning in-person at Lincoln, Pierce, Ridley or select BEEP locations (Lynch, Beacon, Clark Rd or Putterham)
If your student is learning inside the school building, Thrives bags can be delivered to your student on Friday in school. Registration is required for in-school delivery. You may register at any time during the school year using any of these methods:
- Register online at https://tinyurl.com/y5an85qr
- Ask your student's teacher for a paper form. Have your student return the form to his/her teacher.
- Request a paper form be mailed to you. Email thrives@brooklinefoodpantry.org or text 917-734-4695.
For all students learning at home OR attending in-person at BHS, Baker, Driscoll, Heath, Lawrence, or Runkle
Thrives bags will be available on Fridays at the same School Meal locations and times (click here for details). School meal pickup locations and times are subject to change. Please check the Food Services webpage for any changes.
Why does Brookline need a weekend food program?
In the 2018-19 school year, 14% of all Brookline Public Schools students received free or reduced meals. School administrators believe the actual need is much higher. Economic disparity is rising within Brookline. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of households earning less than $15,000 per year or more than $100,000 per year increased, while the number of households earning between $15,000-$99,000 decreased. The struggle to meet basic needs, including food, has a direct impact on the academic performance of Brookline students.
How can I help?
Brookline Thrives is a volunteer-run organization and your help is appreciated. You can:
Donate – $275 feeds one student every weekend during the school year. Any amount is appreciated.
Volunteer – Many volunteer shifts are available, with more dates coming soon! Click here to sign up.
How can I learn more or volunteer?
Contact us at thrives@brooklinefoodpantry.org.
- Bag packing on Wednesday and Thursday mornings and evenings.
- Helping with Thursday deliveries of bags to schools.
- Distributing bags at a school meal location on Friday afternoons.
How can I learn more or volunteer?
Contact us at thrives@brooklinefoodpantry.org.