United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN)’s Lunch Buddies mentoring program is meant to return to elementary schools this month, but more mentors are needed to do so in Babbitt, Chisholm, Ely, Eveleth, Keewatin, Tower, and Virginia.
The program, which pairs local elementary students with screened, trained volunteer mentors from the community to share one lunch break/week, has expanded from two elementary schools to 16 since 2020.
In 2025-2026 program evaluations, 100% of students, mentors, school staff, and parent/guardians said the Lunch Buddies program made participating children feel cared for.
“She’s very, very shy, and she’s opened up so, so much,” one parent reported. “It’s amazing!”
Across the board, adults connected to the program saw Lunch Buddies mentees’ self-esteem, listening skills, attitude about school, ability to follow instructions, and mood improve last school year.
“My students thrive from one-on-one attention, getting to share stories, and drawing with their Lunch Buddies - all things we can’t do during structured learning time,” a teacher said.
Research shows that consistent time spent with a caring adult plays a pivotal role in shaping positive childhood experiences, building resiliency factors that have lasting impacts on mental and physical health.
Five-time Lunch Buddies mentor Candice Sjogren has seen the layered effects of the program in action.
“Lunch Buddies gives kids something to anticipate, helping them to think about school in a positive way,” she said. “It also allows adults other than parents, family members, guardians, or teachers an opportunity to help them deal with life. They see that adults care for them and want to help them.”
While the impacts are serious, the weekly interactions with students are light.
“Show up on time, eat lunch, and play with your mentee; the games and activities are provided, so your focus can be on engaging with the student,” Sjogren said. “What I first experienced with Lunch Buddies has remained the same throughout the years: the focus continues to be on connecting with and encouraging each child.”
UWNEMN has extended its mentor application deadline in hopes of matching all 2026-2027 students with mentors.
“This program is all about building up our local children, so the last thing we want is to have a student thinking no one wants to be their Lunch Buddy,” said UWNEMN Youth Opportunity Coordinator Sarah Fetzik.
UWNEMN’s Lunch Buddies mentoring program is made possible with support from the St. Louis County Family Services Collaborative and Sheltering Arms Foundation of Minnesota.
Lunch Buddies Mentors Needed:
- Chisholm Elementary - 5 needed Mondays
- Laurentian Elementary School (Eveleth) - Mentors needed Tuesdays
- Nashwauk Keewatin Schools (Elementary) - 1 needed Tuesdays
- Northeast Range School (Babbitt) - 4 mentors needed Wednesdays
- Parkview Elementary School (Virginia) - 2 needed Wednesdays
- Tower-Soudan School (Tower) - 1 needed Thursdays
- Washington Elementary School (Ely) - Mentors needed Tuesdays