Eleven-year-old Elijah has big dreams of becoming a robotics engineer. He explains, “I want to build robots that can fix your car or help around the house.” Elijah is a member of his school’s robotics team, which won second place in a recent competition. Doing well in school, pursuing his passion for robotics, and helping his family are all important to Elijah. That’s one reason why this inspiring young man is thankful for the help of free school meals that keep him at his best. “When I’m hungry, I get tired or distracted,” he says. “If I’m full, I’m ready for whatever happens.”
As kids head back to the classroom this August, Inter-Faith Food Shuttle is focusing on ensuring that all children have access to the nutritious food they need to grow and thrive. Chiesi USA has partnered with the Food Shuttle for a Back-to-School giving campaign, matching gifts to make an even greater impact of the lives of children like Elijah. From now through August 31, Chiesi will match your gifts up to $25,000! To make a Back-to-School gift, please visit www.FoodShuttle.org/BacktoSchool.
Did you know that in North Carolina, one in five children are at risk of hunger? The problem goes beyond just losing a day’s worth of vitamins and minerals. Children who do not have enough to eat experience more chronic illnesses like asthma and anemia, social difficulties, and school absences than their peers. Hunger keeps children like Elijah from reaching their full potential.
As the price of food and other costs continue to soar, stretching household budgets is a daunting task for families like Elijah’s. Even small increases in food prices can have a devastating impact on families who are already struggling, forcing them to choose between purchasing food and other necessities.
Rising costs have also had a serious impact on the food banks that serve these families. Inter-Faith Food Shuttle’s fuel costs have risen by nearly 50% from one year ago. With fewer food donations and skyrocketing food costs, our food budget increase is even more alarming. It has increased over 400% in order to keep up with the growing number of neighbors who are unable to afford food after paying for rent, medicine, childcare, gas, and other necessities.
To further highlight the problem of child hunger in North Carolina, CBS 17’s “My Carolina” will showcase the Food Shuttle’s Child Hunger initiatives during the week of August 15. Each day, a different Food Shuttle program like BackPack Buddies, School Pantries, Cooking Matters, or Agricultural Education will be featured. “My Carolina” will also feature an interview with Jason Beyer, Vice President of Chiesi USA, about their partnership with the Food Shuttle and their longtime support of Child Hunger programming. Viewers are invited to tune into WNCN daily at 9 a.m. to learn more.
