Branford Resident Donates $20,000 To Ensure Branford Children Don't Go Hungry

Staggering Fact: one in four children in Branford go hungry; prompts local Branford resident to pledge $20K donation to the newly launched “Feed Branford Kids” program at Branford Food Pantry

WHAT: Join the Branford Food Pantry for an informative discussion on the newly launched Feed Branford Kids program, an initiative that provides kids in need with backpacks filled with non-perishable, kid-friendly foods for weekend meals.

The goal is to bring awareness to the weekend “hunger gap” that exists for nearly twenty-five percent of Branford’s children and the myriad of ways the community can help locally.

WHO: · Branford Food Pantry President Wendy Cowles will lead the discussion as well as provide a tour of the Branford Food Pantry.

Local Branford resident, Kamran Farid, Co-Founder of Edible Arrangements, will be acknowledged for his recent donation of $20,000 towards the Feed Branford Kids program.

WHEN? Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 1:30 p.m.

WHERE? Branford Food Pantry, 30 Harrison Ave., Branford, CT

BACKGROUND: Did you know that in Connecticut, one of the wealthiest states in the U.S., nearly one child in five under age 18 is hungry or food insecure?

This figure accounts for approximately 155,000 children statewide. Locally, nearly one in four children in Branford who count on free or reduced meals during the school day often goes hungry on the weekends.

This shocking reality has prompted the Branford Food Pantry, a 100% volunteer-based, donation driven organization to launch the Feed Branford Kids program.

This initiative, which is in partnership with the Branford Public Schools, provides kids in need with backpacks filled with non-perishable, kid-friendly foods that can be consumed during the weekend.

The goal is to fill the weekend hunger gap that too often exists for developing children. How can the local community get involved? The community can donate their time, non-perishable food items as well as monetary donations.

This past week, Branford resident and father of three, Kamran Farid, Co-Founder of Edible Arrangements, has donated $20,000 to the Feed Branford Kids program. This monetary donation pays for more than 4,000 meals, which is equivalent to $5.00 per meal.

“It was eye-opening to learn that childhood hunger exists in nearly every town in Connecticut, including my hometown of Branford,” said Farid. “When my wife and I learned about the Feed Branford Kids program we immediately wanted to help. At the very least, every child should have access to meals over the weekend so they can thrive—not just survive,” added Farid. “At the end of the week, no child should have to worry about when their next meal will be. I am fully committed to doing all I can locally and statewide to increase awareness and help eliminate childhood hunger; I encourage everyone to get involved in any way they can to make a difference.”

For more information on Feed Branford Kids and how the local community can get involved, please visit www.brandforpantry.org or http://www.kamranfarid.com/?p=336