Yet another sign of the economy's negative impact on our most at-risk children: The No Strings Fund of the Partners in Education Foundation is out of money after just one month of the school year.

In September alone, 397 meals were provided through the No Strings Fund. That's double the number of meals funded during the entire first semester last year. With eight months to go, we have already used all the money that was expected to last through the entire school year.

The No Strings Fund was established by the New Mexico Women's Foundation several years ago, after a story appeared in the paper about a student who was turned away at a school cafeteria lunch line for lack of money.

Of the nearly 13,000 children enrolled in Santa Fe's public schools, 63 percent, or more than 7,000 students, qualify for the free- or reduced-cost lunch program. That means that their family incomes are so low that the district provides their lunches for free or at a reduced cost. Many times, the food they get at school is their only meal of the day. In some of our schools, nearly 100 percent of the student population qualifies.

In order to qualify for the program, parents must fill out paperwork. Sometimes, especially with new and transfer students, the paperwork hasn't gone through the system by the time the child is in school. Imagine being a hungry 8-year-old child, going through the cafeteria line, and finding that your name is not on the free-lunch list — and you have no money. The No Strings Fund ensures that such a child doesn't go hungry.

There are many calls to help feed hungry children in other countries around the world, and their need is real. But so is the need of our children right here in Santa Fe. Can you help feed a child this year? Even a small donation will have a big impact, as lunches can be provided for as little as $2 each.

Studies show that children don't learn as well when they're hungry, and that proper nutrition has a beneficial effect on studying. In Santa Fe's public schools, menus are prepared by registered dietitians. Their goal is to promote optimal health and nutritional status for our children. They adhere to the principles of better nutrition and healthier food choices. And they want to make sure that no child has to be denied a meal.

The No Strings Fund is administered through the Partners in Education Foundation for the Santa Fe Public Schools. Contributions can be sent to Partners at the address below. Checks should be made out to Partners in Education; write "No Strings Fund" in the memo line. Thank you!

Founded in 1988, Partners in Education works to improve the quality of public school education by linking the community with its schools, providing teachers and their students with the materials, equipment and services they need. For more information, contact 474-0240 or rgreeley@sfpartnersineducation.org. Correspondence can be sent to: Partners in Education Foundation, PO Box 23374, Santa Fe, NM 87502.