The Putney Foodshelf is piloting a new program, called Food4Kids, at Putney Central School this summer during camp. Thursday, June 28th, was the opening day. With shelves stocked with food, new curtains hung, posters on the wall, and Marie Kim’s friendly face at the door, we opened the shelf to a group of 29 enthusiastic ‘shoppers.’ The Food4Kids space is looking great, and we are lucky to be able to use the Asia Room at PCS, with its built-in shelving, and windows looking out to the Japanese garden. Kids will be able do some “shopping” and bring home a few staple food items on Thursdays during camp. Food4Kids will be fully running for the 2018-19 school year. It is free and open to all Putney Central School students.
Food4Kids Mission Statement:
The mission of Food4Kids (F4K) is to empower kids to meet their own nutritional needs.
We believe people have the right to access food and to be nourished, and that students are able to learn best when they have full stomachs. By providing food in a safe, empowering and respectful way, we are inviting all students to take part in addressing their nutritional needs.
Description of the Program:
F4K offers food access to all students once per week and gives them the opportunity to choose the foods they’d like to eat and feel they can prepare themselves. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks will be available. The food will be kid-friendly, easy to prepare, delicious, and nutritious. Foods that will be offered are a mix of staples, including, but not limited to, tuna, peanut butter, pasta, canned vegetables, soup, and bread.
If people want to support the program, Food4Kids will accept donations of non-perishable foods on an ongoing basis, both at PCS and at the Foodshelf. For monetary donations, checks should be made out to Putney Foodshelf, with Food4Kids in the memo line, and mailed to: Putney Foodshelf, P.O. Box 337, Putney, VT 05346. For more information about the program, or to volunteer, contact Hannah Pick at: putneyfoodshelf@gmail.com