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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.

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 ([email protected]).

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

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.

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.

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

• Held at the Towanda CHOP Branch: 2 Elizabeth St., Towanda
• Mondays & Tuesdays (June 26 – August 1)
• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Register: https://bit.ly/towanda-summer-fun-23

☀️Sullivan County Summer Fun Program

• Held at the Mattern Building: 7406 Route 487, Mildred
• Mondays & Tuesdays (July 3 – August 8)
• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Register: https://bit.ly/sullivan-summer-fun-23

Journey Fitness Sayre is excited to announce Fitness for a Cause, a series of three Spartan Races, which help raise funds for Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP). The goal is to raise $10,000 to fight child hunger in our local communities.

Participants have the opportunity to participate in any of the following events:

• Tough Mudder 5K, 10K, 15K and Infinity: September 10-11
• Citizens Bank Park Spartan Stadion: September 17
• Tri-State NJ Tri-fecta: October 1-2
• DEKA World Championships: November 20

These events are open to everyone so you can join the fight against childhoold hunger.  This is not just for Journey members. 30% of every race entry will be donated to CHOP when participants use the Fitness for a Cause race code. In addition, participants will receive course coaching from the Journey Fitness coaches.

To learn more or to participate in one of the events, please click here or visit Journey Fitness Sayre’s Facebook page.