Too many children in Dare County were not getting adequate food – approximately 40% qualify for the free & reduced lunch program at school. Many of these children were going without adequate food on the weekends. Food for Thought was started to try to fill that gap. In 2006, we began with approximately 50 children at Manteo Elementary School and since have expanded to approximately 530 children and youth in preschool, Head Start, and all kindergarten, elementary and middle schools in Dare County. Children are provided nourishing breakfasts, lunches and two snacks every weekend during the school year so they are ready to learn on Monday morning. Parents and school personnel feel strongly that our program makes a difference in the lives of many children in Dare County.