Pioneer Valley Power Packs is a backpack food program for kids from the time they leave school Friday until they are able to get back to school Monday.
Founder Shelley March called Zito and Suzanne to talk about how Pioneer Valley Power Packs relies on the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
"Our member agency with Western Mass Food Bank is huge."
"They provide all of the protein – chicken, tuna – they provide our soup – even brand name chicken noodle soup – and they provide nearly all of our non-perishable food items that we put in our free food backpacks."
Pioneer Valley Power Packs is targeted towards children, providing them will a well-balanced diet that's also appealing to youth.
"We need it to be easy to prepare. We are aiming for the little ones who have less access to food sources, and... we want it to be fun and friendly. We want them to enjoy the food that they're eating during the weekend."
Much of the food comes from The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
"They provide so much of our food that we desperately need, especially during the pandemic."
"Our demand went up at least 100%. We usually give food at the school directly and anonymously on Fridays, and we are now driving door to door to each family and their participating child. If we have siblings, each of the siblings also get a family meal during the weekend. The demand is just – it's massive."
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts needs your help.
Join Shelley March in the effort to alleviate hunger in Western Mass. Support the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts today.
Photo: Food Bank of Western Massachusetts