Backpacks Packed for Hungry Students

What a wonderful cause!

On Wednesday, March 1st, 100 backpacks were packed with food by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. Neuhaus received some help from Orange County Legislator Jim DiSalvo, Orange County Department of Social Services Commissioner Darcie Miller, Dr. Frank Sheboy, Superintendent of the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery School District, and Josie Ramnani,Children’s Programs Coordinator, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. The group joined together at the Highland Falls Intermediate School for students in the Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District to work with the Orange Cares program to get foods to families who need assistance.

According to the press release, approximately 10.2% of Orange County’s population which consists of 38,230 residents is classified as food insecure. The backpacks were filled with pasta, juice, cereal and produce products. In 2015 Orange County Executive Neuhaus and Commissioner of Social Services Darcie Miller partnered up with the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley to provide assistance through Orange Cares to children who are considered "food insecure." During the 2015-2016 school year over 4,000 backpacks were packed totaling 28,638 meals.

If you know a school district interested in teaming up with Orange Cares it is recommended you email the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley at info@regionalfoodbank.net.