BACKPACK SNACK ATTACK

WEEKEND MEALS PROGRAM FOR KIDS

 

The Warwick Reformed Church started this program in January 2009 to provide food for needy elementary school children in Warwick Township to eat at home on weekends when school meals are not available.  

 

This program is now available to ALL schools (not just elementary) in Warwick, Florida, Pine Island, and Greenwood Lake.  The school selects the needy elementary children. We provide the backpacks and food for the children and their siblings every weekend.

 

During the 2009/2010 school year, we fed about 120 children.  This number is expected to grow to 180 children in 2010/2011. 

 

We send individually sized, ready to eat (including microwavable) food items home with needy children in backpacks on Friday.  The backpacks are returned to the school nurse on Monday.  Sample items that do not require refrigeration are:

 

* Pudding cups

* Quaker Oats Instant Oatmeal

* Chewy granola bars

* Cup of soup (add water type)

* Easy Mac

* Non-refrigerated  milk

* Cheese and crackers

* Cereal packages (small boxes)

* Fruit Cups - peaches & mixed fruits

* Chef Boyardee cups

* Juice boxes- 100% juice only please

* Fruit Snacks

* Fresh Fruit

We provide 13-14 food items per child.  The cost averages between $5 to $6 per child.

 

Donations for this program go towards purchasing food items and backpacks.  There are no administrative costs.  

 

In addition to food donations, we buy items from the Hudson Valley Food Bank, Price Chopper and Ochs Orchard.  Many local groups and individuals have contributed to the success of our program.  The need for funds, food, and volunteers is ongoing.   

 

We have regular volunteers who arrive at the church at 11:45 on Thursdays, pack the bags, and then deliver them to the elementary schools.  Volunteers are also needed at other times to help stock the room;, pick up items from the Hudson Valley Food Bank, Price Chopper, and Ochs Orchard; help with publicity and marketing; help organize fundraising events; etc. 

Contact information to help with this program.

Shirley Puett 845-544-0548 or shirleypuett@gmail.com

Jay Rowland 505-417-6316