TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — On Tuesday, Second Harvest of the Big Bend announced their new campaign that will go a long way towards feeding children in our community.
'Envision: No Hunger' is the name of Second Harvest's new campaign in partnership with Envision Credit Union.
It's an expansion of Second Harvest's Backpack Lunch program.
"What our backpack program aims to do is provide children essential food that they can eat throughout the weekend," said Monique Ellsworth, the CEO of Second Harvest of the Big Bend.
Guidance counselors at schools in the five counties Second Harvest partners with will identify children dealing with food insecurity who are in the greatest need of the program.
Bond Elementary School Principal DelShauna Jackson says the meal program has had a major impact on her students.
"They're able to focus and concentrate, and do what they need to do in our classrooms," said Jackson.
Envision Credit Union will match donations dollar for dollar up to $30,000 through July 31, something they say is critical during these difficult times.
"Envision realized that the impact of COVID on families in this community was significant," said Dr. James Croteau, of Envision Credit Union. "And we felt like this program was an opportunity to provide meals for kids when they return back to school, and really make an impact on their learning."
"By the end of last school year we were providing 1,300 backpacks each week on Fridays," Ellsworth said. "Our goal this year is to expand that program providing 2,000 backpacks each Friday."
More backpacks a week means more children in our community will not go to bed hungry.
A goal and a mission that the Envision: No Hunger campaign can only achieve with your help.
To donate to the Envision: No Hunger campaign, or for more information, click here.
