FAQ
What does PACH stand for?
People Against Child Hunger
How does the Watertown Area PACH Program work?
The Watertown Area PACH Program works with school staff to provide complimentary snacks and meals to students who may need additional food resources over weekends during the school year. The food is given to the child before she/he leaves school each Friday (or in case of a holiday, the last day before the break).
Who is eligible for the Watertown Area PACH Program?
Any child in grades Pre-K through Grade 12, enrolled in any Watertown School or Codington County School or HeadStart.
When will the Watertown Area PACH Program begin?
The Watertown Area PACH Program operates throughout the school year. Registration will be required at the beginning of each school year and will be accepted anytime during the current school year. If your child was enrolled in the program in the prior school year, you will be required to re-register for the current school year.
How do I register my child for the Watertown Area PACH Program?
To register, simply complete the Consent Form. It is available at each of the schools. It is also found at the ENROLLMENT tab. Please mail the Consent Form to:
Watertown Area PACH Program
PO Box 176
Watertown, SD 57201
Please fill out the form completely. A parent or legal guardian is required to sign the Consent Form to be enrolled in the program.
Can I register more than one child for the Watertown Area PACH Program?
Yes. If you have more than one child attending school, you only need to submit one Consent Form. Please list all of your children and the schools they attend.
How will I know if my child is enrolled?
Once your Consent Form is received, your child’s name will be added to the list of students eligible for the Watertown Area PACH Program. If the program has sufficient funds, she/he will begin to receive a PACH food sack of kid-friendly food at the end of each school week, available at your child’s school. Children will be served on a first-come-first-served basis. We have always been able to give each child who has enrolled a weekly PACH food sack.
Is this program associated with the Federal Free/Reduced Lunch Program?
No. The Watertown Area PACH Program is not associated with the Federal Free/Reduced Lunch Program operated through the Watertown Schools. The Watertown Area PACH Program operates solely through volunteers and donations from Watertown area businesses and individuals.
The date on the food I received is past the “best by” or “use by” date, is it still safe to eat?
Yes. PACH follows the USDA guidelines, as does Feeding South Dakota food bank. Dates are picked by the manufacturer for any number of reasons, none of which are tied to food safety.
DEFINITIONS are as follows:
- Best By: For consumers; a sign of when flavor or quality is at its peak.
- Use By: For consumers; a sign of when to use a product by for best quality.
- Sell By: For the store; a sign for how long to keep a product on shelves.
If you have concerns about an expiration date of food products you have received from PACH or any other food products, please use one of the following resources:
- USDA Food Keeper app
- Website: https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/foodkeeperapp/index.html
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Contact (605) 886-4427 or email watertownpach@gmail.com or pachpresident@gmail.com
How can I contribute to or volunteer with the Watertown Area PACH Program?
Contributions can be mailed to:
Watertown Area PACH Program
PO Box 176
Watertown, SD 57201
Email pachvolunteers@gmail.com to learn more about volunteer opportunities with the Watertown Area PACH Program.
