Mayo Clinic Health System - Northland in Barron , 2023 Community Benefits

Supporting the Needs of Rural Communities and Local School Districts

Jenny Jorgenson, Community Engagement, Mayo Clinic Health System and school district staff Nichole Kohel, Food Services Director and Sarah Glaze, Middle School Guidance

Mayo Clinic Health System - Northland in Barron supported the Cameron School District with a Supporting Our Schools Award for the 2023-24 school year. The award funding will allow the district to expand its Comet Care Packs to middle and high school students and create a “Comet Closet” for the district.

 Comet Care Packs is a weekly program that provides food for elementary school families struggling with food insecurity. There are no financial requirements to qualify for the program. The staff recognized that families with high school and middle school students could also benefit from this program; however, they needed additional funding to expand their reach. Funds secured from the Mayo Clinic Health System award will enable the district to expand its reach, making the care packs available to the over 1,000 students in the district.

The Comet Closet will be a new addition available to middle and high school students. It will contain donations of gently used Cameron Comet gear, clothing, shoes, sports equipment, new toiletry items and hygiene products. These donations will be available to any students in need.

In recognition of the vital role that schools play, including supporting children and families and the economy and future workforce. Mayo Clinic Health System (MCHS) in Northwest Wisconsin established the Supporting Our Schools Award in 2021. Schools within the MCHS service area can apply for funding opportunities that directly benefit and positively impact students and align with MCHS’ CHNA and strategic priorities.