Two area middle and elementary schools recently received honors from a nationwide organization that helps schools fight hunger.

Bailey Middle and Blythe Elementary schools received National School of Distinction status from the Schools Fight Hunger program. Fewer than 2,000 schools nationwide earned this level of distinction in the 2010-11 school year.

Through last year’s “Souper Bowl of Caring Drive” event, students at Blythe Elementary collected 805 pounds of food, while students at Bailey Middle collected 356 pounds to help feed the hungry throughout the Lake Norman Community.

“The students, staff and families of our School of Distinction schools should be very proud of their efforts and the impact they’re making on the hunger cause,” said Schools Fight Hunger founder Tim Sullivan. “In a day when so much news about our kids and our schools seems so negative, these schools and these students are well worth celebrating.”

Local schools wanting to get involved can learn more online at www.schoolsfighthunger.org.