SPECIAL EDITION: BACKPACK PROGRAM

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theharvester Working SUMMER 2016 Together To Build And Sustain Hunger-Free Communities Throughout The Southern Tier SPECIAL EDITION: BACKPACK PROGRAM PAGE 2 PAGE 2 PAGE

1 theharvester Working SUMMER 2016 Together To Build And Sustain Hunger-Free Communities Throughout The Southern Tier SPECIAL EDITION: BACKPACK PROGRAM PAGE 2 PAGE 2 PAGE 3 INSIDE FLAP OUTER FLAP WHAT S INSIDE A Message From The President A Mother s Perspective BackPack Champions Give Your Time: Volunteer Feed More Kids: Support the Program

A Message From The President 2 Dear Friends, This month marks the tenth anniversary of our BackPack Program and we have taken this opportunity to celebrate the program and its notable progress over

In that time, the program has grown tremendously due to the incredible support from our school partners, volunteers, and donors who make it all possible.

2 A Message From The President 2 Dear Friends, This month marks the tenth anniversary of our BackPack Program and we have taken this opportunity to celebrate the program and its notable progress over that short time. I find it hard to believe that it s been ten years since we first pitched the idea for the BackPack Program to partners who shared our vision of feeding hungry children directly. In that time, the program has grown tremendously due to the incredible support from our school partners, volunteers, and donors who make it all possible. We first heard about the BackPack Program in 2004 and at that time, we knew that nearly 40% of those who received food from our network of pantries and meal sites were children 18 years and younger. We also knew that many pantries saw a spike in demand over the summer months when kids were home from school and no longer able to access free or reduced price meals through the National School Breakfast and School Lunch Programs. For many of these kids, school meals may be the only meals they eat in a day. We questioned what happened when they went home for the weekend? The program officially launched in October of the school year. We received a grant to serve 125 children and we identified three different sites to pilot the program. At the end of the year, we conducted an evaluation of the program and what was clear from the feedback was that this food filled a gap and reduced the anxiety that surrounds food insecurity for children and parents alike. In honor of the program s tenth anniversary, we are recognizing ten BackPack Champions from across the region who have each contributed in a significant way to the program s development and growth. We have dedicated this entire issue of our Harvester Newsletter to the BackPack Program to highlight our Champions, volunteer opportunities, and a mother s perspective on the program. I hope you will be inspired to get involved by donating your time or making a financial gift as we continue to expand our efforts to ensure that no child goes hungry in our community. Wishing you a great summer! Natasha R. Thompson President & CEO BackPack Program : A Mother s Perspective Jennifer is the mother of three. Her two eldest children attend school, while she stays home with the youngest. Nearly a year ago, Jennifer injured her back and became unable to work. The family relies on the single income from her husband, Jim, to support themselves. With five mouths to feed, it s hard to make ends meet. We have to cut back most months in order to make ends meet, she explains. We ve done it all different ways before. Sometimes the adults eat less so that the kids can eat more - we never want them to go without. Two of the older children participate in the BackPack Program, Jennifer says. It helps the family by providing them with pantry staples, giving them a little extra room in their budget for healthier items. It helps us stretch our budgets more, so we can have extra to buy other things, like fruits and vegetables, she explains. Since fresh fruits and vegetables are the children s favorites, she s happy to have them on hand for quick snacks. Our kids love produce - it s their favorite things to eat! she says laughing. They would choose grape tomatoes over chips any day. Jennifer also explains how she is able to make pantry staples from the backpacks into lunches and dinners for the kids over the weekend. Many times we use the chicken and tuna to make salads. It s easy and the kids really like it, too. Most of all, the family is thankful to be a part of a community that is willing to come together to help one another. I feel blessed to have this support system, she says. And every chance I get, I try to give back because everyone needs a little help every once in a while. To help support a family like Jennifer s through the BackPack Program, consider making a donation today. Every $3 donation provides one backpack for a child in need. It helps us stretch our budget. We now have extra to buy things like fresh fruits and vegetables. $3 provides one backpack for a hungry child. For more information and to donate online, visit our website:

3 Our BackPack Champions 3 The tenth anniversary of the BackPack Program prompted us to identify and recognize ten key individuals who helped build the program and make it what it is today. These Champions, along with countless volunteers, school officials, coordinators, and donors, work tirelessly each day to tackle the issue of child hunger in the Southern Tier. CHRIS ALLINGER QCountry Radio Host - Using his voice and his feet, Chris is a leader in fundraising for the BackPack Program! In 2011, Chris combined a personal health goal with his passion for helping others by developing and leading the annual Walkin the Country fundraising event, to benefit the BackPack Program. Over four years, with a backpack strapped to his back, Chris has walked over 400 miles and raised a total of $118,000, which equates to a staggering 40,000 backpacks for children in need. MARK BORDEAU Senior School Lunch Director, Broome-Tioga BOCES - Since the program s inception in his local school district, Mark s role has evolved from handson responsibility to an advocate. At first, Mark coordinated deliveries, transporting the packs in the trunk of his car. Over time he was integral in growing the BackPack Program to reach more schools and students. Today, he serves on the Food Bank s board of directors, constantly recruits volunteers and always advocates for the program, inclusion of nutritious food, and the issue of hunger. KARRIE DENNISTON Senior Director-Sustainability, Walmart Foundation - In 2005, Karrie served as Child Nutrition Program Coordinator at the Food Bank of the Southern Tier and was the first person to work on the BackPack Program. Karrie planned, coordinated, and implemented the program, and always reminded others of the significance of their work to end childhood hunger. Without her ingenuity and dedication, the BackPack Program would not be what it is today. RAY DENNISTON Special Projects Manager, Broome- Tioga BOCES - Ray helped hungry children in need before there was a program in place and he played an active role in the BackPack Program s development in 2005 by leading the pilot site at the Johnson City School District. Ray provided guidance and perspective, and also helped develop the process of a discreet referral system by working directly with school counselors and nurses. JERRY DIETZ Owner, CSP Management - Jerry is an advocate for food justice issues and childhood hunger, in particular. He chairs the local Taste of the Nation event that raises money for the BackPack Program. He also recruits volunteers in his community, no matter if they re friends or strangers, to participate in monthly BackPack Re-Pack events in Ithaca. JIM FRAME Superintendent, Greater Southern Tier BOCES - Jim provided much needed guidance and support of the program when it expanded to Schuyler County. Armed with a holistic view of the great need within the area, especially childhood hunger, Jim went door-to-door to raise awareness and register kids for the BackPack Program. Jim s objective is to always make sure students are given their best opportunity to succeed. LINDA GOLKIEWICZ Home School Counselor, Campbell-Savona Elementary School - Linda s office is a safe haven for students - her door is always open, and she makes sure her students have everything they need, including backpacks filled with food every Friday. Linda is able to get to know each and every child who participates in the program and can see the difference the program makes on an individual basis. She has also seen firsthand how the program benefits the entire family, not just the children. EVELYN STACHOWSKI Food Bank Volunteer - Around the Food Bank warehouse, Evelyn is a familiar face. A volunteer since 2012, Evelyn has donated over 7,000 hours of her time, much of it sorting food and building the packs for the BackPack Program. Evelyn is a steadfast volunteer and serves as a liaison to fellow volunteers, welcoming them to the Food Bank, and working alongside them as they prepare the packs to be delivered to students across the region. ST. MARY OUR MOTHER CATHOLIC CHURCH CONGREGATION Horseheads, NY - The church s generous members have been supporting the Food Bank with generous gifts for over twenty years. When a member of the Church, who worked in the local school district, shared information about the BackPack Program the congregation responded and has supported the program ever since with designated donations and volunteering their time. Members appreciate being involved with a program that directly helps many children and families in their own community. WEGMANS FOOD MARKETS - As a community partner, Wegmans has been instrumental in the growth of the BackPack Program through their annual Fill the Bus campaign. The company, and its many stores and employees, truly lead by example and fulfill their mission of helping the communities in which they live and serve. Without Wegmans support, the Food Bank s BackPack Program could not have expanded into all 41 school districts in our service area. THERE S MORE TO THEIR STORIES... To read the full profiles of all ten BackPack Champions, please visit our website at Did you know? This year, volunteers donated over 3,000 hours of time assembling packs for the BackPack Program

Food Bank of the Southern Tier 388 Upper Oakwood Avenue

Chemung Tioga Broome Working Together To Build And

Tier A regional agency of Catholic Charities and a

Program to ensure it continues to meet the needs of

In addition to the surveys that school coordinators and

4 Food Bank of the Southern Tier 388 Upper Oakwood Avenue Elmira, NY NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 42 ELMIRA, NY Get Social Steuben Tompkins Schuyler Chemung Tioga Broome Working Together To Build And Sustain Hunger-Free Communities Throughout The Southern Tier A regional agency of Catholic Charities and a member of Celebrating Ten Years of the BackPack Program in Pictures! Each year, we conduct evaluations of the BackPack Program to ensure it continues to meet the needs of hungry children and their families in our region. In addition to the surveys that school coordinators and parents complete, children provide their own evaluation by drawing a picture. Over ten years, we ve accumulated quite a number of drawings, each as unique and inspiring as the great kids we serve every day. Our newsletter generously sponsored by: Thank you!

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME VOLUNTEER FOR THE BACKPACK PROGRAM Our most popular volunteer activity is assembling the packs that are placed in children s backpacks every Friday.

5 GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME VOLUNTEER FOR THE BACKPACK PROGRAM Our most popular volunteer activity is assembling the packs that are placed in children s backpacks every Friday. We refer to this volunteer event as a BackPack Re-pack. During the school year - the BackPack Program s tenth year - volunteers donated over 3,000 hours of time and packed every one of the 121,000 packs needed to serve all of the children participating in the program. As the number of children served increases, we will need even more help at the Re-packs, as the program relies solely on volunteered time. Where Can I Volunteer? Food Bank Headquarters: If you re interested in volunteering to assemble backpacks at our facility in Elmira, you can sign up during the next school year (Aug-May). Shifts are available Monday-Saturday 9 am to 3 pm daily and evenings during the week. Tompkins & Broome Counties: To engage more volunteers in the communities we serve, the Food Bank comes to you! We also offer volunteer opportunities in Ithaca, Binghamton, and Johnson City during the school year (Aug - May). At Your Workplace: Volunteer your time together by coordinating a Re-pack at your company s location. The Food Bank can facilitate a Re-pack session that doubles as a team building experience. Visit our website at and click Volunteer to learn more and sign up! Any volunteer questions can be directed to Jen Burbank, Volunteer Coordinator at and jburbank@feedingamerica.org. Everyone can have a role in volunteering. Re-packs are a great way to feel like you are making a difference and helping hungry children in the Southern Tier. - Evelyn Stachowski, Food Bank volunteer & BackPack Champion

6 FEED MORE KIDS SUPPORT THE BACKPACK PROGRAM WITH A GIFT TODAY School may be out but we are already planning for next year s BackPack Program! Help us reach more kids in the 41 school districts across our service area. $3 buys one backpack for a hungry child in the Southern Tier Please join us in celebrating the BackPack Program s tenth year by making a gift today. For more information or to make a donation over the phone, contact Krista Matia, Development Manager at kmatia@feedingamerica.org or r YES! I want to feed more hungry children through the BackPack Program NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE/ZIP PHONE Gift Information r $10 r $30 r $120 r $240 r Other $ r To honor of the BackPack Program s 10 th year, please make this a monthly credit card gift of $10 Method of Donation (Check One) r Check r AMEX r MasterCard r Visa r Discover Card Number Expiration Date Security Code last 3 digits on back of card, for AMEX last 4 digits on front SIGNATURE Please use the enclosed envelope to mail this form and method of payment to: Food Bank of the Southern Tier 388 Upper Oakwood Ave., Elmira, NY HAR16-2 Or make a secure online donation at:

2017 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT MEMBER OF

SECOND FEEDING HARVEST COMMUNITY FOOD BANK 2017 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT MEMBER OF OUR VISION Healthy and Hunger-free Communities OUR MISSION Provide essential food assistance through a network of partners,