Exciting things are happening at CHOP Out Hunger’s Scranton branch! The walls are framed, the drywall is going up, and we’re getting closer every day to the grand reopening of our space. In just a few short weeks, we’ll be able to welcome our dedicated staff, loyal supporters, and incredible volunteers back into a refreshed, functional, and inspiring environment.
This renovation is more than just a facelift—it’s a crucial step in expanding our impact. With a well-designed volunteer packing area, a welcoming lounge, and an optimized workspace, we’ll be able to serve more children, engage more volunteers, and create an even greater sense of community within our walls.
We can’t wait to share this space with you! Stay tuned for updates, and get ready to join us in celebrating this milestone for CHOP Out Hunger. Thank you for being part of this journey—we couldn’t do it without you!
Every day, thousands of children in Pennsylvania go to school hungry. They sit in classrooms trying to focus, their stomachs empty, their minds distracted by a basic need that should never be in question: food. At CHOP Out Hunger, we believe no child should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from—and that elief is what drives our mission forward.
On October 15, 2025, we invite you to be part of something bigger. “Feeding the Future” is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a night dedicated to changing lives, one meal at a time. Hosted at Constantino’s Catering in Clarks Summit, this inspiring evening will bring together community members, business leaders, and advocates who share one common goal: ensuring that no child in Pennsylvania goes hungry.
A Celebration of Resilience and Hope
This year, CHOP Out Hunger has reached a milestone—providing over 50,000 meals each week to children across 21 counties. That number isn’t just a statistic; it represents real kids with real stories. Kids like Emma, a third-grader who no longer worries about going to bed hungry because of the food she receives through our Weekend Backpack Program. Or Liam, a high schooler who once struggled in school due to hunger but now has access to healthy snacks and meals through our In-School Pantries.
At Feeding the Future, you’ll hear these stories firsthand. You’ll meet the families, volunteers, and community partners who make this mission possible. And you’ll see the incredible impact that generosity—your generosity—can have.
An Evening to Make a Difference
Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner, drinks, and entertainment, all while supporting a cause that truly matters. We are honored to have Ty Holmes serve as this year’s Honorary Co-Chair, joining us in our mission to fight childhood hunger.
Most importantly, this event is an opportunity to take action. Sponsorships are now available, providing a chance for businesses and individuals to play a direct role in feeding children across the state.
Be Part of the Solution
Hunger is a battle we can win—if we fight it together. Your support at Feeding the Future will help us continue to expand our programs, reach more children, and bring hope to families who need it most.
At CHOP Out Hunger, we believe in dreaming big, and no one embodies that spirit better than our Founder and CEO, Danielle “Dani” Ruhf. This year, we are thrilled to announce that Dani has been invited to speak at EMPOWER ’25, the premier leadership experience.
Dani will take the stage on the Professional Development Track, delivering a session titled “Turning Your Dreams into Your Reality.” This inspiring talk is designed to equip leaders, changemakers, and aspiring professionals with the tools they need to bridge the gap between ambition and action. Drawing from her journey of founding and growing CHOP Out Hunger into a force that feeds over 45,000 children weekly, Dani will share insights on:
Overcoming obstacles to pursue your passion.
Aligning your values with your vision for impactful leadership.
Creating a roadmap to transform bold dreams into tangible results.
Why You Don’t Want to Miss This Session
Dani’s story is a testament to the power of dreaming big and taking action. From volunteering in her local community to leading an organization that spans 20 counties, Dani’s journey is filled with lessons on resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership. Attendees will leave her session with practical strategies and the motivation to take their dreams to the next level.
About EMPOWER ’25
EMPOWER is more than a conference; it’s a space where leaders come together to inspire and be inspired. This year’s theme, “DREAM BIG,” aligns perfectly with Dani’s session, making it an unmissable opportunity for anyone looking to grow personally and professionally. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, this event promises to ignite your potential.
How to Attend
EMPOWER ’25 will take place Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 7:30 AM–5:30 PM. To learn more about the conference and to secure your spot, visit the official EMPOWER website
Stay Connected
Follow our blog and social media channels for updates on Dani’s session, behind-the-scenes insights, and key takeaways from EMPOWER ’25. We can’t wait to see how her message inspires attendees to dream big and make a difference.
Ready to turn your dreams into reality? Let Dani show you how. Don’t miss out on this transformative experience!
Are you a student passionate about making a difference while gaining real-world experience in Human Resources? CHOP Out Hunger’s Human Resources Department is looking for a dynamic HR Intern to join our team! This unpaid internship offers valuable hands-on experience in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and is eligible for college credit.
What You’ll Do:
As an HR Intern at CHOP Out Hunger, you’ll gain practical skills and insight into the HR field by contributing to key projects and initiatives. Responsibilities include:
Updating Employee Databases: Ensure our internal records are up to date and accurate.
Screening Candidates: Assist in identifying and vetting potential new team members.
Supporting Recruitment and Onboarding: Help coordinate the hiring process and welcome new employees.
Assisting with HR Policies and Initiatives: Contribute to policy updates and program implementation.
Planning Employee Engagement Events: Help create a positive and collaborative workplace culture.
Preparing Correspondence and Analyzing HR Data: Develop critical communication and analytical skills.
What We’re Looking For:
We’re seeking a motivated individual who meets the following criteria:
Education: Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university (HR, Business Administration, or related majors preferred).
Skills: Proficiency in Google Suite, strong written and verbal communication, and an analytical mindset.
Availability: Able to commit at least 10 hours per week.
Qualities: Team-oriented, detail-focused, and eager to learn.
Why Join Us?
At CHOP Out Hunger, you’ll be part of an organization committed to ending child hunger through innovative programs and collaborative outreach. This hybrid position is based out of our Scranton, PA headquarters, providing flexibility and the opportunity to engage with a team that’s passionate about making a difference.
How to Apply:
Ready to kickstart your HR career? Send your resume to [email protected]
About CHOP Out Hunger:
Our mission is to create an entire generation that doesn’t know hunger. Through our innovative programs and partnerships, we’re transforming lives and ensuring no child goes hungry. Join us in making a meaningful impact while advancing your career!
Do you have an old car, truck, or motorcycle that you’re no longer using? Instead of letting it sit idle, you can turn it into something powerful—a lifeline for children facing hunger. CHOP Out Hunger is excited to partner with CARS, a trusted vehicle donation program, to make it easy for you to make a difference. By donating your vehicle, you can help us provide critical meals to kids in need across Pennsylvania.
How It Works Donating your vehicle is a hassle-free way to support CHOP Out Hunger’s mission. Here’s how it works:
Complete the Online Form: Provide some basic information about your vehicle. It doesn’t matter if it’s running or not!
Schedule a Free Pick-Up: Once your form is submitted, a CARS representative will contact you to arrange a convenient pick-up time.
Receive a Tax Deduction: After your vehicle is sold, you’ll receive a receipt for your charitable contribution, which may be tax-deductible.
Why Donate Your Vehicle to CHOP Out Hunger?
Every vehicle donation helps fund our programs, including:
The Weekend Backpack Program: Providing nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals to kids who might otherwise go hungry when school meals aren’t available.
In-School Pantries: Stocking essential items so children and families can access food where they need it most.
Pop-Up Pantries: Bringing food to communities that face barriers to traditional food assistance.
By donating your vehicle, you’re directly supporting the 45,000 children we serve every week across 20 counties. Your generosity ensures they have the food they need to thrive.
Make an Impact Today Imagine how many lives your old vehicle could touch. From a child going to bed with a full stomach to a family finding hope in a time of crisis, your gift can create meaningful change. Donating is simple, fast, and incredibly rewarding.
We are thrilled to share that CHOP Out Hunger received a generous $1,250 donation from PS Bank through their 2024 Season of Giving campaign!
Since 2014, PS Bank has been hosting this impactful initiative to raise awareness of food insecurity and collect monetary donations for food pantries across its five-county footprint. This year’s campaign raised an incredible $11,043 in total, benefiting several local organizations dedicated to combating hunger.
The Season of Giving is a time for PS Bank employees, customers, and community members to unite for a meaningful cause. Their support will directly impact our programs, like the Weekend Backpack Program and In-School Pantries, ensuring children have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive.
We are so grateful to PS Bank and everyone who contributed to this year’s campaign. Together, we are making strides toward a hunger-free future for children in our communities.
CHOP Out Hunger is thrilled to announce a generous $12,000 grant from Leprino Foods Company Foundation, reaffirming the company’s commitment to strengthening communities.
The grant, presented this month, will be used to enhance CHOP’s operations, including the purchase of a commercial fridge and freezer to increase cold storage capacity and to support vital programs that serve over 45,000 children weekly across 20 counties in Pennsylvania.
Sherry Boor, Controller for Leprino Foods, shared, “The Leprino Foods Foundation is dedicated to supporting the community through grants that align with our four pillars: nutrition, fitness, education, and local necessities. Earlier this year, CHOP’s Major Gift Officer, Bailey Ruhf, reached out to explore a partnership. This grant is the result of that collaboration.”
CHOP operates out of three branches in Towanda, Scranton, and Bloomsburg, providing weekend backpacks, in-school pantries, and pop-up pantries to children in need.
“It’s a wonderful full-circle moment to partner with Leprino Foods, as we serve so many neighbors in the Sayre and Waverly area,” Ruhf said.
This partnership exemplifies the power of local organizations coming together to tackle child hunger. CHOP is deeply grateful to Leprino Foods for their trust and investment in our mission to ensure no child goes hungry.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to create lasting change in our communities!
Looking for a way to finish your holiday shopping while giving back to the community? Join us for the Lavish Sip & Shop event on Tuesday, December 19, from 6–8 PM, at Lavish, the chic boutique known for its curated collection of gifts, fashion, and home décor.
✨ Why Attend? Not only will you enjoy a festive evening of sipping, shopping, and mingling, but a portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated directly to CHOP Out Hunger. Your purchases will help provide meals to children in need this holiday season.
🎄 What to Expect:
Exclusive holiday items
Complimentary beverages while you shop
The chance to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list
The joy of knowing your purchases are making a difference
✨ How You’re Helping: Every dollar raised through this event supports CHOP Out Hunger’s programs, like the Weekend Backpack Program and In-School Pantries, ensuring children across Pennsylvania have access to nutritious meals.
Mark your calendar, grab a friend, and join us for an evening that’s equal parts stylish and charitable. Together, we can make this holiday season brighter for kids in need!
💙 Thank you, Lavish, for partnering with us to fight hunger this holiday season.
The holidays are a season of giving—and this year, your generosity can have double the impact! CHOP Out Hunger is thrilled to announce that we’ve secured matching gifts to double our impact this holiday season.
That means every $1 you contribute will be matched, providing twice as many meals for children and families in need.*
Why This Matters: In Pennsylvania, 1 in 6 children faces food insecurity. For these kids, hunger doesn’t take a holiday. Through our programs like the Weekend Backpack Program and In-School Pantries, we’re working to ensure no child goes without the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and thrive.
How You Can Help: 🕊️ Donate: Every $25 you give becomes $50, helping us feed even more children. 🕊️ Share: Spread the word about this opportunity to double the impact of every gift. 🕊️ Get Involved: Encourage friends and family to join you in supporting our mission.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of thousands of kids across Pennsylvania. Let’s end the year strong and start 2025 with hope, community, and a vision of a hunger-free future.
CHOP Out Hunger is thrilled to announce that our very own Associate Director of Development, Rachel Santoro, has been named one of the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s Top 20 Under 40 honorees for 2024! This prestigious recognition celebrates the region’s brightest young professionals, highlighting their expertise, passion, and dedication to their communities.
Since its inception in 2002, the Top 20 Under 40 awards have honored hundreds of professionals from diverse industries, including healthcare, hospitality, real estate, and public service. Despite their varied backgrounds, all honorees share a commitment to excellence in their fields, a deep passion for their work, and a strong dedication to volunteerism and community impact. Rachel embodies all these qualities and more.
Over the past year, Rachel has been an integral part of CHOP Out Hunger, driving our mission to end childhood hunger with her unparalleled dedication and expertise. As a mother of a young child, she understands the critical importance of food security for families and brings this perspective to her work every day. Beyond her professional achievements, Rachel is committed to continuous growth, frequently engaging in professional development opportunities that enhance her ability to serve our community.
The nomination process for this award is rigorous. Each honoree is nominated by colleagues, clients, friends, or family and carefully selected by the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s panel of judges. Rachel’s recognition reflects her extraordinary contributions to our organization and her unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of the 45,000 children we serve weekly.
We couldn’t be prouder of Rachel’s accomplishments and are grateful to have her as a vital part of our team. Her leadership and vision inspire us all to continue striving for excellence in our mission.
To learn more about Rachel and the other incredible honorees, visit the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal’s Top 20 Under 40 announcement.
Congratulations, Rachel, on this well-deserved honor!
