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

July 11, 2024 Uncategorized

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!

July 9, 2024 Uncategorized

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

July 6, 2024 Uncategorized

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

June 26, 2024 CHOP Updates

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

June 20, 2024 CHOP Updates

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

April 19, 2024 CHOP Updates

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

April 4, 2024 Uncategorized

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?

September 12, 2023 CHOP Updates

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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CHOP’s 2023 Summer Fun Programs

June 4, 2023 CHOP Updates

We’re excited to offer two Summer Fun Programs that are free for kids ages 8-17. Both locations will offer lunch, snacks, and daily activities. See the information below. Help us plan ahead by registering your child(ren) today!

☀️Towanda Summer Fun Program


☀️Sullivan County Summer Fun Program

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The answer to childhood food insecurity already exists

April 11, 2023 CHOP Updates

In a world where we’re focusing on SNAP can we also raise our voices for universal free breakfast and lunch programs?

In Pennsylvania, more than 13% of children are said to experience food insecurity, meaning they are unsure where their next meal will come from. These statistics only capture reported numbers, but based on the work we conduct daily and the stigma around food insecurity, it is most likely much higher.

Why does this matter? Because across the nation we are hearing about the impact of SNAP benefits dropping back to pre-2020 amounts, while families still face expensive grocery bills. While we are focusing on SNAP, children of all ages are literally going hungry when we already have a solution at our fingertips.

The answer? Universal school meals.

Currently, Pennsylvania offers free breakfasts to all students whose schools participate in the National School Breakfast Program but that does not include school lunches. 53% of school-age children qualify for free lunch or reduced lunch prices. However, this is still problematic for multiple reasons. The first is that if students are food insecure and only receive a free breakfast they are likely not eating again until the next school day. Secondly, there is stigma associated with “free” or “reduced” meals simply because of the name. When they are just “school meals” there’s no shame in opting in.

We are advocating for free school meals to be expanded to include every child, regardless of income. When we open our programs to all students, we see more engagement and we see the stigma typically associated with food insecurity removed. The best part is that these children learn to advocate for their own needs.

We have the power to cost-effectively reduce childhood hunger locally and nationally by implementing universal free breakfast and lunch programs for all students. We’re asking our friends and neighbors to join us in our fight against hunger by urging local and state representatives to pursue free school meals for all.

Respectfully,

Dani Ruhf
Executive Director and Founder of Child Hunger Outreach Partners

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