Write a commentThe Richard S. Shineman Foundation and Erin's Angels of CNY Launch $100,000 Collaborative Initiative to Strengthen Backpack Programs Across Oswego County New partnership supports countywide efforts to combat childhood hunger through collaboration, shared learning, and direct funding.
OSWEGO, N.Y. — The Richard S. Shineman Foundation and Erin's Angels of CNY have launched a new collaborative funding initiative to strengthen backpack programs serving children and families throughout Oswego County. Together, the organizations have committed a combined $100,000 investment, with each contributing $50,000 to support local programs working to address childhood hunger.
The Oswego County Backpack Coalition gathered on Thursday, August 13, at The Richard S. Shineman Foundation, where participating backpack programs received grant awards equal to ten percent of their annual budget. Funding was made possible through support from The Richard S. Shineman Foundation and a matching commitment from Erin's Angels of CNY. The initiative is designed to provide not only financial support, but ongoing collaboration. The need remains significant. According to a recent Syracuse.com report, Oswego County ranked among the 20 worst counties in New York State for both overall hunger and child hunger in 2024, with 14 percent of residents and 19.1 percent of children experiencing food insecurity. Feeding America's "Map, the Meal Gap" estimates that 5,010 children in Oswego County were food insecure in 2023, representing a child food insecurity rate of 20.5 percent and an annual food budget shortfall of $11.6 million. While these figures represent the most recent data available, backpack programs and many other community organizations report increasing pressure on families as grocery, fuel, housing, and other household costs continue to rise. This suggests that the challenges facing food-insecure children may be even greater today.
"Childhood hunger is not a challenge any one organization can solve alone," said Chena Tucker, Executive Director of The Richard S. Shineman Foundation. "By bringing backpack programs together, we are creating a space where leaders can share resources, learn from one another, and build a stronger countywide response. This funding is an investment not only in food, but in collaboration, dignity, and the belief that every child in Oswego County deserves to be nourished and supported." The initiative builds on the work of the Oswego County Student Food Insecurity Task Force, which has brought together educators, community leaders, volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and funders to better understand and address student hunger throughout the county. The new coalition model encourages participating programs to move beyond isolated efforts and work collectively to identify needs, share ideas, and maximize community impact.
"We are incredibly grateful to partner with The Richard S. Shineman Foundation in a way that turns love into action for children throughout Oswego County," said Sheila Dion, Founder and Executive Director of Erin's Angels of CNY. "Backpack programs are often built by people who see a child's need and simply refuse to look away. By matching this initiative, we are helping expand the impact of the funding while honoring the local programs already doing this sacred work. Together, we can make sure more children go home with food, hope, and the reminder that their community cares."
Participation in the Oswego County Backpack Coalition is required for programs receiving annual funding. The Coalition will meet twice each year, including an August kickoff meeting and a midyear virtual check-in, creating opportunities for members to share successes, discuss challenges, and strengthen partnerships. Backpack programs play a critical role in helping children access nutritious food during weekends, school breaks, and other times when school meals are unavailable. For many families facing poverty, rising food costs, transportation barriers, and limited access to resources, these programs provide an important source of stability and support.
Food insecurity affects far more than physical health. Children experiencing hunger often face challenges with concentration, attendance, academic performance, and overall well-being. Weekend backpack programs help bridge these gaps by ensuring children have reliable access to nutritious food outside the school day. With this significant investment, The Richard S. Shineman Foundation and Erin's Angels of CNY are investing in both immediate hunger relief and long-term collaboration, creating a stronger network of community organizations united by a shared goal: ensuring no child in Oswego County goes hungry.
About The Richard S. Shineman Foundation The Richard S. Shineman Foundation is committed to improving the quality of life in Oswego County by supporting initiatives that create meaningful, lasting impact for individuals, families, and communities.
About Erin's Angels of CNY Erin's Angels of CNY is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing childhood food insecurity and supporting vulnerable children and families throughout Central New York. Through a comprehensive range of programs, including weekend meal distribution, summer nutrition assistance, school food pantry support, and community outreach initiatives, the organization works to ensure that children have reliable access to the nourishment they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Erin's Angels is guided by a vision of a community where no child goes hungry.
