Project N.O.W. (Nutrition on Weekends) supports Highline Public School students who are food insecure. Recent studies have demonstrated that nutrition affects students’ thinking skills, behavior, and health, all factors that impact academic performance. Research suggests nutritional deficiencies early in life can affect the cognitive development of school-aged children, and access to nutrition improves students’ cognition, concentration, and energy levels. (Wilder Research, January 2014). Highline Schools Foundation supports a Backpack Program at the elementary and middle school levels, and a food pantry at the high school level.