Appeal

Dear Friend,

Most children look forward to summer vacation. Eight-year-old Shawn doesn’t. He knows vacation could mean more than two months of going hungry. When classes are in session, he eats breakfast and lunch in the cafeteria -- unfortunately, when school ends, so do these school-subsidized meals.

For struggling families like Shawn’s, being able to buy enough food for two extra meals per day during the summer is impossible. The family was getting by until his father was laid off and his mother got sick and couldn’t work for several months. Now they worry about how they can pay all the bills and put food on the table.

“My belly is always growling at me,” says Shawn.

It’s shocking to think that in central and northern New York thousands of children are at risk of hunger. It’s not always easy to tell who is hungry -- it could be a kid who goes to school with your child or children you see at the playground.

What can you do? You can make an immediate difference NOW. For every dollar you send, we can distribute enough food for 2.3 meals.

Children are the most vulnerable in our society -- our programs help protect them. That is why we are asking for three gifts -- for June, July and August.

Your gift will go a long way toward feeding hungry children. If you possibly can, please send your June gift today.

With your support, we are able to provide healthy meals through our summer meals program. We work with agencies to set up sites at youth recreation organizations, churches and community centers. At some sites, we serve breakfast and lunch; at others, we serve just lunch. In areas where there are no nearby sites, children and their families can receive food and hot meals through our network of pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding programs.

Shawn’s mom knew about our work here at the Food Bank because the family used to help with food drives. She got in touch with us and we told her about a local program where he is able to eat lunch and participate in summer learning and recreation activities. Every day the lunch menu features fruits, vegetables, milk and an entrée to ensure the children will have a summer filled with a variety of healthy options.

How will your gifts help? They will help ensure that we have enough food to give to people who come each day and your gifts help us to distribute more nutritious foods like fresh fruits and vegetables.

Please send your gift for June, and then if you can, repeat your gift in July and August. If you prefer to send one gift to cover all three months, that will be deeply appreciated as well. Please send your gift today.

Thomas F. Slater
Executive Director

P.S. Shawn, his mom and all the children you are helping to feed thank you. Please send your most generous gift today.