

Employees from over a hundred businesses in the Southern Tier came together at the Food Bank of the Southern Tier to compete in 'Leader of the Pack', a race to pack over 400 food bags in record time. The competition ended with more than 5,000 bags packed and donated to be distributed across 41 school districts, as a part of the food bank's Backpack Program which provides food packs for children at school to combat hunger. If you're interested in enrolling your child in the program, contact your school district coordinator.
Leader of the Pack: Businesses Unite to Combat Hunger in the Southern Tier
The Food Bank of the Southern Tier serves as a vital lifeline for families struggling to put food on the table. One of its key initiatives is the Backpack Program, which provides food packs to children at school to combat hunger.
To support this program, employees from over a hundred businesses in the Southern Tier recently participated in "Leader of the Pack," a race to pack over 400 food bags in record time. The competition resulted in a remarkable outcome: more than 5,000 bags packed and donated to be distributed across 41 school districts.
Background
The Southern Tier is a region with a high poverty rate and a significant need for food assistance. The Food Bank of the Southern Tier has been working tirelessly to address this issue, providing food to over 70,000 people each year.
The Backpack Program is one of the food bank's most successful initiatives. It provides backpacks filled with non-perishable food items to children who may not have enough to eat at home. The program ensures that these children have access to nutritious meals, even when school is not in session.
Top 5 FAQs
1. How do I enroll my child in the Backpack Program?
Contact your school district coordinator for enrollment information.
2. Who is eligible for the Backpack Program?
Children who meet certain income criteria and attend a participating school are eligible for the program.
3. What types of food items are included in the backpacks?
The backpacks contain non-perishable items such as canned goods, granola bars, and fruit cups.
4. How many businesses participated in "Leader of the Pack"?
Over a hundred businesses from the Southern Tier participated in the competition.
5. How can I support the Backpack Program?
You can make a donation to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier or volunteer your time to pack backpacks.
Conclusion
The "Leader of the Pack" competition is a testament to the power of community collaboration in the fight against hunger. The event not only provided thousands of meals to children in need but also raised awareness about the importance of food security. The Food Bank of the Southern Tier and its partners remain committed to ensuring that every child in the Southern Tier has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.

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