Big Brothers Big Sisters expands program to new school districts

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks is expanding one of its programs to two new school districts.

The Lunch Buddy program, which pairs adult mentors with students over school lunch, is being added to the Branson R-IV School District and Bolivar R-I Schools. The program currently operates at Springfield Public Schools.

The expansion to Branson was announced in a news release this week.

"The impact we've witnessed in other schools has been remarkable, and we are confident that with the support of the Branson community, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these students," BBBSO CEO Susan Mellentine said in the release.

Maggie Riggs, vice president of programs for the nonprofit, said via email the service is launching this fall at the Bolivar district.

"In the previous school year, we successfully initiated 68 Lunch Buddy relationships, and as we look ahead to the upcoming semester, we're excited to share that 43 students are eagerly waiting to connect with their Lunch Buddies," Riggs said.