The Didion Foundation announced a $20,000 donation to Randolph Cambria-Friesland (RCF) Food for Families and launched a community matching challenge to help more local students return to school on Mondays ready to learn. The Foundation shared the gift during its annual Strong Communities Golf Outing on August 19 at The Oaks Golf Course in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, and will match additional contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000 through December 31, 2026.
RCF Food for Families provides weekend food support to students and families in the Randolph and Cambria-Friesland school districts throughout the school year, helping bridge the gap for children who may rely on school meals during the week.
Roughly 34% of students in the two districts qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and program leaders expect participation to grow during the 2026-27 school year.
Launched in early 2026, RCF Food for Families is building the funding base needed to serve students consistently throughout the school year as food costs continue to climb.
For school staff, the need often shows up in quiet, everyday ways: a student who saves part of a Friday lunch, a child who returns after the weekend tired and distracted, or a family asking privately whether any extra food support is available.
RCF Food for Families is designed to respond to those moments with care and confidentiality, helping students and families without putting anyone’s personal circumstances on display.
“Our work is bigger than what happens inside our walls,” said Riley Didion, CEO at Didion, Inc. “Our team helps to feed hungry families overseas through US-supported food aid programs and by supporting programs like RCF Food for Families — and inviting our neighbors to join us through this match — we can help make sure local children have the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive.”
“As teachers, we know that students cannot learn at their best when they are worried about where their next meal is coming from,” said Jackie Drews, a Science Teacher at Randolph School District. “Through Food for Families, we rely on the generosity of our community and donors to help provide food for students in need. Every donation helps ensure that our students have the nourishment they need to come to school ready to learn, grow, and succeed each day. We are so grateful for everyone who helps us care for our students beyond the classroom.”
How the match works: Donations made to RCF Food for Families through December this year will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Didion Foundation, up to a total of $10,000. Community members, businesses, and organizations interested in contributing can contact: Jackie Drews by emailing drewsj@rsdwi.org.
Electronic donations are available through PayPal and Venmo: link to PayPal/Venmo. Checks made payable to Teacher Care Fund – RCF Food for Families can be dropped off at Randolph High School or mailed to Jackie Drews, 110 Meadowood Dr., Randolph, WI 53956.
