The Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation received a $20,000 grant from the Arby’s Foundation. The donation will enhance the Student Success Fund and the Education Foundation’s efforts to support the Sioux Falls School District’s most at-risk students.

Through the Student Success Fund, the Education Foundation provides emergency food assistance, personal hygiene products, and clothing. In addition, the nonprofit provides GED scholarships to students who cannot afford the exam fee and city bus passes to teenagers who lack reliable transportation. With the onset of colder weather, the Education Foundation has seen an increase in requests for coats, hats, mittens, and boots.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Arby’s Foundation to support students and families in the Sioux Falls School District,” said Allison Struck, executive director of the Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation. “The Student Success Fund provides stability. We serve 24,000 students at 37 sites. When students’ basic needs are met, they are more likely to come to school focused, engaged, and ready to learn.”

Based on the Sioux Falls School District’s 2020 demographic report, more than 44 percent of the district’s 24,000 students qualify for free or reduced meals.

“The Student Success Fund helps address the equity gap by providing food, clothing, and other necessities to children, who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in crisis situations. It also empowers school staff so that they do not have to go home with the burden of an unmet need,” Struck said.

The Arby’s Foundation awarded nearly 200 grants across the U.S. to support children in communities where the company has a restaurant.

“We want to extend a sincere ‘thank you’ to our loyal customers,” said Mike Walz, President and CEO of American Roast Beef and Heap Big Beef, Inc. “Arby’s has always been committed to efforts that improve children’s lives, and our customers make these donations possible. They are the reason we are able to make a difference in our local communities.”