Dear Neighbor,

 

Did you know that 30% of Bennington families with children under 18 are living in poverty? When you include families in Pownal, Woodford, and Shafstbury, the number of children living in poverty increases to roughly 1,500. These families may face difficulties in accessing enough nutritious food to keep all family members healthy and happy.

 

Every year the Abbey Group (the organization responsible for school breakfasts and lunches) does a spectacular job in feeding the youth in our community from the beginning of the school year through the end of July. (In July alone, they make 22,000 lunches for local children!) August, however, is financially difficult for most families with children – back to school clothing, shoes, and school supplies put a strain on the family budget – and that is when food programs are least available for those that are food insecure.

 

While the need may seem overwhelming, Vermonters are remarkable people. Nowhere else do people come together to build each other up and solve problems quite like they do here in Bennington County. So, it is with great enthusiasm that we invite you to join the Harvest for Kids Challenge!

 

The Harvest for Kids Challenge is a community-driven initiative to raise money to expand the reach of existing food programs in our community. Harvest for Kids will coordinate with these food programs to provide additional fresh and local produce, snacks, milk, and other sandwich and lunch items to families with children under 18. The foods will be “kid-appropriate”, so that children can prepare their own meals and snacks, easing the burden on busy parents.

 

Want to get involved? Join the Challenge! Visit benningtoncares.org/bc/harvest to learn more about creating a team, making a one-time donation, or volunteering alongside some amazing Bennington community members.

 

Sincerely,

Harvest for Kids Team