Write a commentPhoenix, NY - Erin's Angels of CNY formally launched a new partnership with Blessings in a Backpack Fulton on Wednesday with a check presentation of $2,500 in support of a summer weekend meal program for children in the Fulton City School District.
The initiative is supported through funding awarded to Erin's Angels of CNY by the John Ben Snow Foundation. The partnership is designed to help address food insecurity among children during the summer months when school breakfast and lunch programs are not available.
The announcement was made at Prince of Peace Church in Fulton, where community leaders, foundation representatives, elected officials and volunteers gathered to highlight the importance of ensuring children continued access to nutritious food throughout the summer.
"We are grateful for this partnership with Erin's Angels of CNY and the support provided through the John Ben Snow Foundation. Working together allows us to reach more children and families who face food insecurity and ensure that students have access to nutritious food on weekends throughout the summer months," said Doug Stevens, program director of Blessings in a Backpack Fulton.
Following the presentation, volunteers assembled 100 weekend meal bags for children who may otherwise lack reliable access to food during weekends and school breaks.
"Partnerships like this help strengthen our community's response to childhood hunger and ensure more children have access to the nutrition they need to thrive," said Sheila Dion, founder and executive director of Erin's Angels of CNY.
Representatives from Blessings in a Backpack Fulton, the John Ben Snow Foundation, local government and state government participated in the event, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to combat food insecurity across Oswego County.
"Addressing childhood hunger requires meaningful collaboration among nonprofits, community partners and local volunteers. The John Ben Snow Foundation is proud to support initiatives that bring organizations together to ensure children have reliable access to nutritious food, especially during the summer months when many families face additional challenges," said Elizabeth Snow, program officer for the John Ben Snow Foundation.
Children who depend on school meal programs can face heightened food insecurity when classes are out for the summer. When school is out and access to school meals is limited, this partnership will help bridge the gap by delivering nutritious weekend meals directly to the homes of children across Central New York, ensuring they have the food they need to thrive throughout the summer.
Erin's Angels of CNY, founded in 2017, provides weekend meal bags to students in need in Phoenix, NY. While Erin's Angels currently serves children in the Phoenix Central School District, the long-term vision is to expand their reach and provide food to kids experiencing food insecurity across Central New York through its Community Outreach program ensuring that no child goes hungry. For more information or to donate, visit www.ErinsAngels.com.
