Hungry Howie's is partnering with Blessings in a Backpack and local radio stations to raise $24,000 by August 16 to feed 100 underprivileged children in Tampa Bay for three years. According to Blessings in a Backpack, there are over 20 million children in our country at risk of hunger. Providing access to nutritious food results in improved health, positive behavior, increased school attendance and higher academic achievement.
The Blessings in a Backpack program feeds elementary school children on the federal Free and Reduced Price Meal Program with a backpack of food to take home for 38 weekends during the school year. The program was named Charity of the Year in 2012 by People Magazine's Help Feed a Child Campaign.
"Blessings in a Backpack feeds the future of America and the value to our community is long lasting," said Jennifer Hearn, President of Hungry Howie's Pizza Inc., which was founded in 1973 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary. "Many of these children go home to households with little food, and we are proud to help families with hunger relief and to give back to our community."
Backpack deliveries coincide with back-to-school time in August for Bay-area schools. Individuals wishing to contribute to Blessings in a Backpack may do so by visiting www.blessingsinabackpack.org. "We're thankful that Hungry Howie's is sponsoring this effort, and we're excited at the opportunity to inform the Tampa Bay community about who we are and what we do," said Nikki Grizzle, National Director of Marketing & Public Relations for Blessings in a Backpack. "There are many children to feed in Tampa Bay, a lot more than people realize."