On Oct. 8, Girl Scouts helped collect food for needy children. It was the second food drive Backpacks for Food has held since the start of the school year. The first had assistance from Boy Scouts and members of the Cornwall High School National Honor Society.
As shoppers entered DeCicco’s, they were approached by one of the girls who handed out sheets of paper with desired food items, explaining what the program is.
Since starting three years ago, BFF has provided nourishing food for weekend meals to students in the Cornwall Central School District who qualify for federal free or reduced price lunches during the school year.
Some patrons happily provided a cash donation while others, upon exiting the supermarket, handed over a single item, or a full bag.
At the beginning of the school year, students receive a backpack they can use to bring home food. Food is dropped off on Thursdays to the main office or to the social worker. The food is transferred to the appropriate backpack which students pick up at the end of the day.
When the program started, about 50 backpacks were filled each weekend. That number has now grown to just over 70. The original goal was to eventually provide enough food for all students who receive free or reduced price lunches.
In order to fulfill the food requests, volunteers continue to ask for donations. Items may be dropped off at most of the local churches, although the program’s food pantry is housed at Cornwall Presbyterian Church. Other locations include Toodles Hair Salon, Walden Bank, Cornwall Public Library, and The Elizabeth Collection.
The next fund raiser will be the Victorian Tea in February.
The following is a list of the most sought-after items:
Cereal – individual serving boxes
Chef Boy-ar-dee food cups – any variety
Raisins – individual boxes
Cracker packs – cheese or peanut butter
Pudding cups – vanilla or chocolate
Fruit cups – low sugar varieties
Mac & Cheese – individual bowls
Granola Bars – any variety
Apple Sauce – individual cups
Juice boxes – 100 percent juice
Tuna or Chicken Salad – pouches
