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CHOP Out Hunger’s Rachel Santoro Recognized Top 20 Under 40 Honoree

December 11, 2024 CHOP Updates

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!

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CHOP Out Hunger Secures Grant from Tioga Downs

December 5, 2024 CHOP Updates

CHOP Out Hunger received funding from the Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation. This year, the foundation awarded 2 million dollars in grants to more than 100 organizations that combat local poverty and community deterioration. The funding will be used to support CHOP Out Hunger’s mission to end childhood hunger throughout Bradford County. Pictured L to R Amanda Colegrove, Grants Specialist, CHOP Out Hunger; Jill Teeter, Executive Director, Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation

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E*Tech Supports Hungry Families at Pop Up Pantry in Troy

November 27, 2024 CHOP Updates

At CHOP Out Hunger, we are continuously inspired by the generosity of our community partners. Last week, E*Tech stepped up to sponsor our Pop Up Pantry in Troy, helping us provide fresh, nutritious food to hundreds of families in need.

Thanks to their sponsorship, we were able to make a meaningful impact in the lives of many families, ensuring they had access to the food they need to thrive. The Pop Up Pantry is one of our key programs that helps combat hunger in rural areas, where access to healthy food can be limited. The support from E*Tech made this event possible, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

It’s through partnerships like this that we are able to reach more people and make a real difference in our community. E*Tech’s commitment to helping those in need is truly commendable, and we are honored to work alongside them in this important mission.

As we continue our work to fight hunger, we are thankful for the incredible support from businesses like E*Tech. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for our neighbors and creating a lasting impact on the lives of families across our region.

Thank you, E*Tech, for being a vital part of this event, and for your ongoing support in the fight against hunger.

If you’re interested in partnering with us to support our mission, please reach out. Together, we can make a difference!

#CommunitySupport #FightingHunger #PopUpPantry #PartnershipForChange #ChopOutHunger

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Double Your Gift, Double the Hope for Hungry Kids

November 26, 2024 CHOP Updates

As the year comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible stories of hope, resilience, and transformation that your support has made possible. At CHOP Out Hunger, we’re on a mission to ensure no child goes hungry, and today, you have an extraordinary opportunity to help us finish the year strong.

Thanks to a generous matching gift, every dollar you give will be doubled. That means twice as many meals, twice as much hope, and twice the impact for the children and families we serve

How Your Support Changes Lives

Every week, CHOP Out Hunger provides meals to 45,000 children across Pennsylvania through programs like our Weekend Backpack Program and In-School Pantries. These meals ensure kids have the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and thrive.

Take Ella’s story, for example. Ella is a bright third grader who dreams of becoming a teacher. But weekends were often filled with worry—would there be enough food for her and her little brother? When Ella received her first weekend backpack, she told us with a smile, “Now I can help my brother, and we won’t be hungry anymore.”

Or consider Marcus, a shy 10-year-old who shared this with us: “I’m not scared about weekends anymore. Thank you for helping my family.”

These are just two of the thousands of stories your generosity makes possible.

Why the Matching Gift Matters

Child hunger is a persistent challenge in our community, but your support can make a real difference. With the matching gift, your $25 donation turns into $50, providing twice the meals for children like Ella and Marcus.

Here’s what your gift can do:

  • $25 (matched to $50) provides weekend meals for 10 kids.
  • $50 (matched to $100) fills backpacks with nutritious food for 20 children.
  • $100 (matched to $200) stocks pantry shelves for an entire school.

This is more than a donation—it’s a chance to bring comfort and stability to families who need it most.

Let’s Finish Strong Together

Your support this year has been nothing short of inspiring. Because of you, thousands of children entered the school year ready to learn, knowing they wouldn’t have to face hunger alone. Now, as we close out the year, we invite you to join us one last time to make an even bigger impact.

Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. And today, with the matching gift, your generosity can stretch even further.

Be the Difference

Whether it’s a meal in a child’s backpack, a stocked school pantry, or a warm meal shared at home, your support provides more than food—it offers hope, dignity, and brighter futures.

Click below to make your gift today and help us finish the year strong. Together, we can ensure no child in our community goes hungry.

Donate Now – Double Your Impact

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CHOP Out Hunger named Non-profit Organization of the Year

November 13, 2024 CHOP Updates, Uncategorized

CHOP Out Hunger has been awarded the prestigious 2024 SAGE Award for Non-Profit Organization of the Year! This recognition highlights our commitment to excellence in community impact, financial stability, strategic alliances, and mission-driven service.

The award was presented at The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Gala on Friday, November 1, 2024, celebrating the incredible efforts of local organizations working to uplift northeastern Pennsylvania. Out of nearly 80 applicants, CHOP Out Hunger was chosen as the organization that exemplifies the spirit of community support and sustainability.

In accepting the award, our Founder and CEO Dani Ruhf shared, “We’re so honored and humbled by this recognition—never in my wildest dreams did I think we’d be here tonight. I want to thank the volunteers, donors, and partners who have journeyed with us to make this possible.”

Since our founding in 2019, CHOP Out Hunger has grown from serving 45 students a week to now reaching over 45,000 students weekly across Pennsylvania. Thanks to supporters like you, we’re able to build a stronger, hunger-free future for children and families in need.

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🎉 Purse Lotto Fundraiser is Back! 🎉

November 5, 2024 CHOP Updates

It’s that time of year again—our popular Purse Lotto is here, and tickets are available now! 🎟️✨ Get ready for daily lottery drawings starting January 1st, with chances to win designer handbags every day!

🎁 Gift Idea Alert 🎁 – Purse Lotto tickets make a perfect gift for friends and family or a treat for yourself! Each ticket is only $25, giving you multiple chances to win while helping feed children and families in our community.

💸 How It Works:

  1. Purchase your ticket(s) for just $25 each.
  2. Keep an eye out—daily winners will be drawn starting January 1st! Be sure to join our Facebook group and tune in live!
  3. Win a designer purse and make a difference!

Don’t miss out! Secure your tickets now to be part of the excitement and help CHOP Out Hunger continue its mission to fight hunger in our community.

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CHOP Out Hunger and A Veteran’s Vision Announce Partnership to Provide Meals for Veterans Facing Food Insecurity

September 18, 2024 CHOP Updates

CHOP Out Hunger and A Veteran’s Vision are proud to announce a new partnership aimed at addressing food insecurity among veterans and their families across Pennsylvania. This collaboration comes in response to a critical need in the state, where over 9% of households receiving food assistance include a current or former member of the military.

After months of planning and coordination, the two organizations are launching an initiative to provide much-needed meals to veterans and their families. This effort reflects a shared vision and deep commitment to supporting those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

“Both CHOP Out Hunger and A Veteran’s Vision share mutual respect and a commitment to serving our communities,” said Dani Ruhf, Founder and CEO of CHOP Out Hunger. “By pooling our resources and expertise, we can make a greater impact and ensure that no veteran or their family goes without the meals they need.”

Ty Holmes founded A Veteran’s Vision to support local military members and their families with resources and community events. fAs part of this partnership,  A Veteran’s Vision will integrate into the CHOP Out Hunger team while continuing to focus on assisting veterans in various ways. The collaboration aims to not only provide immediate relief to veterans facing hunger but also to work toward sustainable solutions for long-term food security.

Further details about this initiative will be shared in the coming weeks. In the meantime, those interested in supporting this effort can donate here.

CHOP Out Hunger and A Veteran’s Vision thank their community stakeholders and supporters for their continued generosity and commitment to helping make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and their families.

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Delicious Pasta Dinner Fundraiser – Support CHOP Out Hunger on October 20th!

September 12, 2024 CHOP Updates

CHOP’s Pasta Dinner Fundraiser will be held on October 20, 2024. With three pick up locations, donors can select a convenient location to pick up their complete meal with salad, pasta, meatballs prepared by Pettinato’s Restaurant in Carbondale, PA. Students from the Susquehanna County Career Technology Center will prepare dessert. All proceeds benefit CHOP Out Hunger’s programs and will provide a child with a week’s worth of food.

Orders are accepted online here. For questions please contact Bailey by email or at 570-721-2288

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Tuscarora Wayne Insurance Company Trivia Winner Chooses CHOP

September 12, 2024 CHOP Updates

We were honored to meet with Kari Natishak from Tuscarora Wayne Insurance Company, who won their monthly trivia competition and generously chose CHOP Out Hunger as the beneficiary! Each month, the trivia winner receives $1,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. Pictured here are Bailey Ruhf, Vernon Bacorn, Nicole (Pooh) Ruhf, Kari Natishak, and her daughter, celebrating this incredible contribution to our mission of feeding kids in need.

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CHOP Out Hunger with Amazon Wishlist

September 10, 2024 CHOP Updates

CHOP Out Hunger feeds nearly 50,000 Pennsylvania students a week through the weekend backpack program and in-school pantry. As we are so very fortunate to have a network of community partners, the stark reality the need continues to grow while the resources do not.

CHOP Out Hunger has compiled a list of some of the most desired pantry staples that the kiddos just devour. We invite you to support our efforts to CHOP Out Hunger through our CHOP Cabinet Amazon Wishlist.

SHOP HERE

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