It’s finally spring and the cold weather is coming to an end. It’s also the time of year when our Fresh Food Program starts ramping up as the growing season begins. We’re working hard to bring more fresh produce to students and families in need.
Fresh fruits and vegetables improve children’s nutrition, help prevent childhood obesity and may improve school performance. That’s why we started our Fresh Food Initiative to bring fresh produce to children in need. This school year, we’ve distributed 16,887 lbs of fresh, healthy food.
During the school year, we are able to provide about 100 kids with fresh food each week,” says Tessa Kirkpatrick, Fresh Food Initiative Chair. “However, we would love to serve more as there is a long list of schools waiting to participate but we need more delivery volunteers and resources,” she says.
Our partnerships with local growers have made a big difference so far by allowing us to add fresh produce to our feeding programs. Here is a list of our wonderful local farmers and vendors that we partner with to bring fresh food to children in need.
The Produce Box
UNCG
Paul J Ciener Botanical Garden
Greensboro Farmers Curb Market
A&T Reid Greenhouse
Peacehaven Community Farm
Jones Elementary
Farmer Foodshare
Caldwell Academy
Share the Harvest
First Presbyterian Church
If you would like to become a BackPack Beginnings volunteer, please visit our volunteer page. Want to host a food drive or make a donation? Your donations will allow us to serve more children in need. Thank you!
Written on 3/21/17 by Angie Burkey.
