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CHOP Out Hunger’s Dani Ruhf Joins Prestigious Chick-fil-A Leadership Cohort

We are thrilled to announce that Dani Ruhf, the Founder and CEO of CHOP Out Hunger, has been selected as one of only 15 individuals to join the exclusive Chick-fil-A Leadership Cohort. This prestigious recognition comes from the Chick-fil-A Impact Accelerator by Plywood People, a highly competitive program designed to empower nonprofit organizations for sustained community impact. Out of thousands of international applicants, Dani’s leadership and commitment to fighting hunger have earned her a place in this transformative 10-month program, which offers comprehensive training, growth opportunities, and valuable networking sessions. The program blends virtual and in-person sessions, aiming to enhance the leadership skills of nonprofit executives like Dani.

As part of her journey, Dani will participate in an interactive seven-week online course tailored to help problem solvers navigate the direction of their ideas. This course dives deep into the foundational elements of “who, why, and how” to establish a strong organizational groundwork. Participants engage with challenging questions and connect with a supportive community. Through the program, Dani will follow a proven problem-solving method, learn from dozens of influential social entrepreneurs, engage in peer discussions, and attend weekly sessions.

In addition, Dani will also benefit from an intensive three-day curriculum developed in response to the growing need for nonprofit leaders to enhance their skills, receive project feedback, and advance their ideas. This focused 3-Day Retreat on Development includes personalized advising and covers foundational areas essential for nonprofit leaders.

We are incredibly proud of Dani and her commitment to CHOP Out Hunger. Her participation in the Chick-fil-A Leadership Cohort signifies a significant step forward in our mission to combat hunger and create lasting change in our communities.

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Back to School and Bags of Fun with Purse Lotto!

School bells are about to ring, and that means backpacks are getting filled and pantries are getting stocked for countless kids across the state.

But here’s the deal: while you’re busy getting ready for the new school year, you can also score a sweet new bag for yourself! That’s right, Purse Lotto is back this September!

Here’s how it works:

  • Every ticket you buy enters you to win a different purse, every single day in September! There’s no limit to how many tickets you can purchase, and there’s no limit to how many prizes you can win!

Tempted by the chance to win a whole month’s worth of purses? Check out some of the amazing bags that will be up for grabs throughout the month

Ready to win? Grab your Purse Lotto tickets here and support a great cause! Let’s fill those backpacks and pantries, and fill your closet with some fabulous new bags!

Don’t miss out – Purse Lotto starts this September!

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CHOP Out Hunger Fights Hunger with $15,000 Grant Award

CHOP Out Hunger (CHOP) is thrilled to announce the generous award of a $15,000 grant from the Scranton Area Foundation (SAF) as part of the 2024 Spring Community Needs Grant Cycle.

This critical funding will directly support CHOP’s Weekend Backpack and In-School Pantry programs, ensuring students facing food insecurity have access to meals throughout the week.

“We at CHOP Out Hunger are just full of gratitude by the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s amazing generosity!” says Dani Ruhf, CEO/Founder of CHOP, “This grant is a game-changer, allowing us to keep those weekend backpacks filled for kids who count on those meals and a for the In-School Pantry program too – this means students can get the food they need for themselves and their families.”

CHOP’s Weekend Backpack program provides nutritious, kid-friendly meals to students experiencing food insecurity. Each backpack is filled with enough food to sustain a child over the weekend, ensuring they return to school on Monday ready to learn and grow. The In-School Pantry offers students and their families access to emergency food supplies throughout the school week.

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Celebrate 10 Years of CHOPing Out Hunger with Athletico-Pivot’s Walk for Hunger!

We’re lacing up our shoes and getting ready to move for a cause! Athletico-Pivot continues to host the 10th annual Walk for Hunger throughout the entire month of July!

Join us in the fight against hunger! This year, we’re challenging our community to walk or run a collective 101.5 miles in July. Whether you walk with a partner, turn it into a team challenge, or conquer the miles on your own, every step counts towards supporting CHOP Out Hunger.

Here’s how you can participate:

  • Walk or Run: Lace up your shoes and track your miles throughout July. Every step you take gets us closer to our goal!
  • Donate: Every dollar makes a difference. Stop by any Athletico-Pivot location to donate money or food, or donate directly to CHOP.
  • Win Prizes: Athletico-Pivot will be giving away location gift cards, fun baskets, and other exciting items! Each $5 donation earns you one entry into the prize drawing, and completing the 101.5-mile challenge gives you an additional chance to win!

Together, let’s keep moving and CHOP Out Hunger!

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CHOP Out Hunger awarded $15,000 Community Grant from American Eagle Outfitters Foundation to support local school students

CHOP Out Hunger, a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating childhood hunger in Northeastern Pennsylvania, is thrilled to announce a $15,000 grant from the American Eagle Outfitters Foundation. This generous funding will directly support the expansion of CHOP’s in-school pantry and backpack programs within area school districts.

“We are incredibly grateful for the American Eagle Outfitters Foundation’s commitment to fighting childhood hunger,” said Dani Ruhf, Founder/CEO of CHOP Out Hunger. “We currently have an extensive waitlist, with this funding, we will be able to feed hundreds of kids.”

CHOP’s in-school pantry program provides students with access to food items throughout the school week. The backpack program ensures children have nutritious meals over the weekends and during school breaks when regular meal programs are unavailable.

This grant from the American Eagle Outfitters Foundation is critical as childhood hunger rates continue to rise across the country. Thanks to their support, CHOP Out Hunger will be able to close the gap and ensure no child goes hungry.

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CHOP Leadership to Speak at Pennsylvania Farm to School Network Institute

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.

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CHOP Out Hunger Receives $2,500 Grant from M&T Bank Charitable Foundation to Support Weekend Backpack Programs and In-School Pantry Programs

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.

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Notice for Requesting Bids for FSMC/Vended Meals

CHOP Out Hunger
Attention: Vended Meal Service

CHOP Out Hunger, a sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), is requesting bids from food service management companies for vended meal service.

Specifications may be obtained from Dani Ruhf (dani@chopouthunger.org).

All bids must be submitted no later than 5/10/24.

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CHOP Out Hunger Receives Donation from Walmart

We are thrilled to announce that CHOP Out Hunger has been awarded $250 from Walmart Taylor, PA. This generous funding will directly support our weekend backpack program and in-school pantry, ensuring that children in our community have access to nutritious food throughout the week.

At CHOP Out Hunger, we understand that no child should go hungry. Thanks to Walmart Taylor, PA’s support, we can continue to provide vital resources to those facing food insecurity.

This funding will allow us to:

  • Purchase additional food items for our weekend backpack program, which provides children with nutritious meals to take home over the weekend.
  • Stock our in-school pantry with healthy snacks and meals that students can access discreetly throughout the school day.

We are incredibly grateful for Walmart Taylor, PA’s commitment to fighting hunger in our community. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and families in need.

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What does the date mean on food items?

You open up the cupboard and check the date at the top of the can… It’s two months past it – so you toss it. But before you judge a can by its date make sure you know what it actually means!

If you’ve tossed a food item because it is past the date printed, you are not alone. According to a study from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), ninety percent of Americans misinterpret the dates on labels, whether it’s a “sell by,” “best if used by,” or “use by” label.

In fact, the ONLY food items that are required to have an expiration date, are infant formula and some perishable food items. So, here’s what you need to know to prevent food waste the next time you reach into your pantry.

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