We are thrilled to announce that Dani Ruhf, Founder/CEO and Amanda Colegrove, Grant Specialist, have been invited to speak at the prestigious Pennsylvania Farm to School Network Institute! This event is a significant platform for professionals dedicated to promoting farm-to-school initiatives and sustainable food practices, and we couldn’t be prouder to have Amanda representing us.

Amanda Colegrove’s Presentation: “Feeding Change: Grant Strategies & Tips for Successful Grant Applications”

Amanda Colegrove will be presenting on the opening day of the Institute. Her session, titled “Feeding Change: Grant Strategies & Tips for Successful Grant Applications,” promises to be an invaluable resource for attendees. With her extensive experience in securing funding for community food programs, Amanda will share practical strategies and insightful tips to help organizations navigate the often complex world of grant applications.

Key topics Amanda will cover include:

• Identifying the right grants for your organization
• Crafting compelling grant proposals
• Building relationships with grantors
• Leveraging data to strengthen your application
• Common pitfalls to avoid in the grant application process

Amanda’s expertise and passion for food justice and community empowerment will undoubtedly inspire and equip participants to secure the funding they need to drive meaningful change in their communities.

Dani Ruhf’s Panel Discussion: Best Practices in Collaboration with Community Partners and Food Sources

The excitement doesn’t stop there! On the following day, Dani Ruhf will participate in a panel discussion focusing on best practices in collaboration with various community partners and food sources. Collaboration is a cornerstone of successful farm-to-school initiatives, and Dani’s insights will shed light on how to build and maintain effective partnerships.

Key discussion points will include:

• Identifying and engaging key community partners
• Building trust and mutual respect in collaborations
• Innovative approaches to sourcing local food
• Overcoming challenges in collaborative efforts
• Measuring the impact of partnerships on community health and sustainability

Dani’s experience in fostering strong community relationships and her dedication to improving food systems make her a perfect fit for this panel. Attendees can look forward to gaining practical knowledge and inspiration to enhance their own collaborative efforts.

Scranton, PA : CHOP Out Hunger, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing childhood hunger in Pennsylvania, is thrilled to announce the receipt of a $2,500 grant from the M&T Charitable Foundation. This generous funding will directly benefit CHOP’s Backpack and In-School Pantry Programs.

“We deeply appreciate the M&T Charitable Foundation’s dedication to combating childhood hunger,” expressed Dani Ruhf, Founder and CEO of CHOP Out Hunger. “This grant will enable us to provide essential food assistance to children who are struggling with food insecurity in our community.”

CHOP’s Backpack Program ensures that children have access to nutritious meals and snacks during weekends and school breaks when regular meal programs are unavailable. The In-School Pantry Program is self-monitored, empowering students to advocate for their own nutritional needs. It offers grab-and-go snacks and food items that students can take home and prepare.

This grant from the M&T Charitable Foundation will be pivotal in helping CHOP reach more children in need. With their support, CHOP can continue to bridge the gap and ensure no child in the community goes hungry.