Cardinals Care, the charitable foundation of the St. Louis Cardinals, is supporting the Special Education Foundation's Critical Needs Program with a $5,000 donation to provide food baskets for students served by the Special School District. These food baskets will supply meals and snacks to nearly 140 families facing food insecurity during school breaks, ensuring students with disabilities continue to have access to nutritious food when they need it most.

Established in 1997, Cardinals Care is dedicated to improving the lives of children in the St. Louis community. Over the years, the organization has invested over $23 million through various programs aimed at uplifting local youth, both on and off the field.

This latest collaboration with Cardinals Care will provide much-needed relief to students whose financial hardships limit their access to nutritious meals. Food insecurity is a significant barrier for students with disabilities, affecting their ability to focus, learn, and thrive. By supplying food baskets each year through the Critical Needs program, SEF helps ensure that these students have access to wholesome meals, allowing them to engage more meaningfully in their education and community.

Thank you Cardinals Care for this generous gift!

In addition to this initiative, Cardinals Care continues its long-standing support of children across St. Louis through its Redbird Rookies baseball and softball leagues, the renovation of ball fields in underserved areas, and by offering grants to local nonprofits working with children.

The Special Education Foundation's Critical Needs Program also supports students with disabilities by providing essential everyday items, ensuring their ability to engage fully in the learning process. Many students face financial challenges that negatively impact their school experience and participation in the community. To address this, the program offers funding for crucial needs such as:

• Incontinence supplies (child and adult sizes) when insurance limits have been reached
• Prescription medications for uninsured, underinsured, or those awaiting coverage
• Basic necessities like shoes, socks, toiletries, and seasonal clothing
• Eyeglass repairs when insurance won’t cover them due to waiting periods
• Dental care, especially for students needing sedation during cleanings or treatment, often required after age 18
• Other essential support that promotes independence and academic success

Learn more about the Critical Needs program, how to submit a request, and how SEF ensures that students have the necessary resources to thrive both in school and in their communities.