Food Backpack Program Food Drive

According to Feeding America, here in New York 2,352,940 people are struggling with hunger. Of that number, 750,000 are children.

Two years ago, faculty and staff at the Ralph R. Smith Elementary School came together to create the ‘Backpack Program’ to ensure that no student goes home for the weekend without substantial meals. Each week, the staff at Ralph R. Smith fills backpacks with nonperishable food items that are sent home with children who might otherwise not have a guaranteed meal.

Through the program, each Friday, students are given a backpack stocked with non-perishable foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In an effort to help support the local school community, Senator Sue Serino today launched a food drive to help ensure that no child goes home hungry.

Senator Serino said, “This incredible program in Hyde Park helps to ease the burden on hardworking families and helps kids be kids by ensuring they will not have to worry about where their next meal is coming from each weekend. Without the help from friends and neighbors, this program would not be possible and I encourage the residents to join us in supporting an initiative that makes such an impact in the lives of so many children.”

Donations can include, but are not limited to:

• individual cereal boxes,
• macroni and cheese,
• soups,
• packaged tuna fish,
• peanut butter,
• jelly, and
• snack bars

The drive will run from Monday March 18^th until Friday, March 29^th. Individuals interested in donating can bring their food items to Senator Serino’s District Office Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. The District Office is located at 4254 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538.

While Senator Serino’s office cannot accept monetary donations, those wishing to support the program in this way, should reach out directly to Hyde Park School principal, Melissa Lawson, at 845-229-4060.

For more information regarding the collection, please call 845-229-0106.