Syracuse, NY (January 13, 2017) – The Joy in Childhood Foundation (formerly The Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation) today announced a donation of $34,239 to Food Bank of Central New York to help fight childhood hunger in the local community.
The donation will support the purchase of a vehicle that will be used for a new mobile food pantry program designed to serve high-needs areas in Central New York. The mobile food pantry program will enable Food Bank of Central New York to reach areas where food deserts and high rates of food insecurity exist. As the program grows, the mobile food pantry program will provide access to nutritious food for those who are hungry across the organization’s 11-county service area.
“Our brand is built on a heritage of joy, and it’s difficult to feel joy when one is hungry or hurting. We recognize that helping to ensure the health and well-being of children is a vital part of strengthening the communities we serve. We are proud to partner with Food Bank of Central New York through this grant from the Joy in Childhood Foundation to support their critical work in relieving child hunger throughout Central New York,” said Eric Stensland, Field Marketing Manager for Dunkin’ Donuts.
A long-time supporter of fighting child hunger, the newly-rebranded Joy in Childhood Foundation’s re-focused mission is to provide the simple joys of childhood to sick and hungry kids. Through funding and partnerships with children’s hospitals, food banks, and nonprofit organizations directly committed to serving sick and hungry kids, the Joy in Childhood Foundation helps children have the support and essential services to find joy in their daily lives.
“Approximately 30% of emergency food recipients in our 11-county service area are children under the age of 18 who are unable to consistently access enough nutritious food for a healthy life,” said Kathleen Stress, Executive Director of Food Bank of Central New York. “Our partnership with the Joy in Childhood Foundation helps make a positive difference as we work together to meet the needs of kids facing hunger in our community.”
The Joy in Childhood Foundation has been a supporter of Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger-relief organization, since 2007 and partners with local food banks nationwide. This is the third year of a
$1 million, three-year grant with Feeding America that supports critical initiatives nationwide to help alleviate childhood hunger, including the Backpack Program and School Pantry Program.