The Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area has received a $9,000 grant from the Kiwanis Children's Fund to expand its efforts addressing child hunger, nutrition and wellness in Pender and Onslow counties, according to a news release.

The grant will support the club's new Kiwanis Kids Nutrition Initiative: Feed. Fuel. Teach., a year-round program that builds on its monthly community supper and adds take-home nutrition and educational opportunities for children, the release stated.

"Feed. Fuel. Teach. allows us to meet an immediate need while investing in a child's future," stated Vicki Fincham, president of the Kiwanis Club of Topsail Island Area, in the release. "We can feed a child today, fuel them for tomorrow and give them the knowledge and confidence to make healthier choices for years to come. Just as importantly, we can show children that serving others strengthens an entire community."

According to the release, the initiative includes more than 85 community partners, including businesses, nonprofit and civic organizations, municipalities, private foundations, faith-based groups, schools, youth programs and scouting organizations. K-Kids, Builders Club, Key Club and Aktion Club members also participate alongside adult Kiwanis members, the release said

Elaborating on the program, the release stated:

• The Feed portion of the initiative continues the monthly Kiwanis Community Supper for Share the Table neighbors, serving approximately 220 meals each Sunday, including about 50 children. Each meal includes protein, fresh produce, grains, sides and dessert.
• The Fuel portion launches Fuel for Tomorrow, which provides children attending Sunday Supper with a take-home breakfast of shelf-stable milk, fresh fruit and a whole-grain item.
• The Teach portion introduces the Wellness Learning Lab, which includes hands-on nutrition education, Junior Chef Challenges, grocery store learning and garden-to-table experiences.

Level Up Meal Kits will include recipes and ingredients children can prepare with their families. Programming will be based at the new Kiwanis Education Pavilion at the Greater Topsail Community Garden.

The award follows a $10,000 Kiwanis Children's Fund grant that helped establish the Greater Topsail Community Garden in 2023.