Nonprofit group Save the Children, as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Food Box program, will be distributing boxes to families in Greenbrier County on Friday, March 5.
According to the USDA, “As part of the coronavirus Food Assistance Program, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is partnering with national, regional and local distributors, whose workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of restaurants, hotels and other food service businesses, to purchase up to $6 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products from American producers of all sizes. Distributors package these products into family-sized boxes, the transport them to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other nonprofits serving Americans in need.”
Food boxes will contain fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, milk and dairy products. This will be a drive-up event. Boxes will be distributed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Rupert Elementary School, located at 253 Church Street in Rupert.
“We know that coronavirus continues to have significant, detrimental impacts on children and families across America, particularly those who depend on school for meals,” said Betsy Zorio, Vice President of U.S. Programs and Advocacy with Save the Children. “Save the Children is proud to be pat of the solution to ensure fresh food reaches rural communities. So often we hear of parents going without to ensure their kids have the food they need to grow healthy and strong. By coordinating distribution efforts in Greenbrier County, we’re hopeful we can help curb hunger for kids and adults alike.”
According to Jenny Harden, Principal of Rupert Elementary School, Communities in Schools has also taken a pivotal role in coordinating this event. The group will be involved with everything from scheduling deliveries with shipping companies, to food-box distribution on the day of the event.
“I’m super excited,” Harden told the West Virginia Daily News. “We are so blessed to be able to help provide this to the families of Greenbrier County.”
Greenbrier County Schools Superintendent Jeff Bryant added, “The Farmers to Families food box drive-up distribution is indicative of the positive power of this powerful and positive partnership between USDA, Communities in Schools and Rupert Elementary School. This initiative supports the mission of these three partners that the needs of our children are priority number one! The distribution of these food boxes will not only bring comfort to boys and girls in the Rupert and surrounding communities, but will instill in our children the importance of human compassion ensuring that this essential attribute that is in the heart of West Virginians continues from one generation to the next.”
There are no income, or other eligibility requirements to receive a food box. Event participants need only be residents of Greenbrier County.
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