Honey Brook Presbyterian Church (HBPC) recently showed its support of the Honey Brook Food Pantry's Backpack Program, which provides backpacks full of nonperishable food items to students in need during the school year.
The church deacons organized a food collection in July and August specifically for the Backpack Program, and this summer, youngsters in HBPC's vacation Bible school (VBS) raised $370 for the cause.
"As part of vacation Bible school we held in June for four nights, it was our mission to support the Honey Brook Food Pantry Backpack Program," said HBPC member Gwynne Sweatlock, VBS instructor. "Over those four nights, they brought in donations every night - random change and some bills. On the last night, we collected $50. And it was only about 18 kids. We (explained to the youths) that in Honey Brook there is a huge hunger issue and there are hungry kids right in their backyard."
Honey Brook Food Pantry volunteer Patti Frank, who is also a member of the pantry's board of directors, has been in charge of the Backpack Program for the past four years. She explained that the students who received the backpacks are from the Honey Brook and Twin Valley elementary centers. The students are chosen for the program by the school nurse.
"The children remain anonymous," Frank explained. "If families have four children or more, they get two backpacks. We serve approximately 80 children each year when school is in session."
Volunteer mothers from each of the schools come to the pantry to fill the backpacks twice each month. In October, there will be three distributions. "We have all the food set out, and the moms come and fill the backpacks," said Frank. "The moms take the backpacks back to the school nurse, and she gives them to the kids, who take the backpacks home on Fridays."
The food items are stored in backpacks so that other students in the school are unaware that the family is in need of food. "They are plain black backpacks so no one can bully (the students) or make fun of them," Frank said. "It takes time to pull the food together, but it's so rewarding. Some of our families live in a hotel and have a hot plate and microwave. We do our best to help them."
The backpacks are filled with at least 15 healthy nonperishable items like peanut butter and juices, as well as tuna and chicken, which can now be purchased in foil packages. "Sometimes (the recipients) are only in first or second grade, so it can't be loaded with cans," Frank noted. "We try to give them food which will fill them up and that they can make themselves, like ramen noodles. (Also included) in the boxes are cereal, shelf-stable milk, oatmeal and lots of nuts. We also give them snacks, which are reasonably healthy, like granola bars. We don't give out candy."
The Honey Brook Mobile Food Pantry is located at the Good Food Distribution Center, 5064 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook. Two distributions are held each month - on the second Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on the fourth Wednesday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. The pantry, which is operated by the Chester County Food Bank, offers nonperishable food items, beef and poultry, dairy products and fresh produce to residents of Chester County living in the Twin Valley School District or the immediate surrounding area.
Distribution days also feature healthy cooking demonstrations, information about job programs, health screenings and more. "We have a free yard sale, and (clients) can shop for free to get clothes and shoes and household items," Frank pointed out. "We have a nurse on hand and a dentist to teach the children how to brush their teeth and a nutritionist giving out menus and making food."
For more information, readers may visit http://www.honeybrookfoodpantry.org, search for "Honey Brook Food Pantry" on Facebook or call 610-273-6102. Those who would like to conduct a food drive specifically for the Backpack Program should contact Ken Ross, pantry director, at kross1414@aol.com.
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