As summer starts its slow fade into fall, we find ourselves surrounded by reminders of what comes next for the children and families we serve … back-to-school time, which often brings as much burden as it brings relief.
On one hand, parents who work outside the home don’t have to worry about finding safe care for their kids during the day; but on the other hand, the added expenses brought by back-to-school needs often stretch already tight budgets to a breaking point. And this is why we’re here — to help close the gap brought about by tight budgets and increase food security in our local communities.
While there are many days when closing that gap can feel like an impossible task, there are also many days when I am inspired by the impact our connected community is able to make. This is especially true during the early months of the school year as we kick off Student Hunger Drive and watch hundreds of kids come together to collect enough funds and food to provide nearly 1 million meals every year. In some ways, these kids remind me of my own high school experience because I also knew that there was very little my friends and I couldn’t accomplish together; but different from my experience, these kids turn that belief outward to make their communities a better place to be. And I can’t think of anything more inspirational than that.
So, join them — join US — as we feed people today and end hunger tomorrow. Together, we’ll create the kind of community that inspires us both.
Warm wishes,
Chris Ford
President & CEO
