In just over a week, a food drive in Francestown has collected more than 800 food items for ConVal End 68 Hours of Hunger.
End 68 Hours of Hunger provides bags of food to ConVal School District students for weekends and holidays, when they do not have access to school meals.
As concerns about food insecurity mounted in recent weeks, Sue Jonas and Judy Bitterli, co-chairs of the Francestown Democratic Committee, organized the drive, which they say will be ongoing.
“These donations make such a difference,” said ConVal End 68 Hours of Hunger co-program coordinator Linda Caracappa. “We’re so grateful for this tremendous outpouring of support for our local children.”
In addition to a collection point at the Town Offices, Bob Bitterli, proprietor of Bob’s Chocolate Café at 1 Main Street in Francestown, is hosting a collection table during business hours. A week after the drive was announced, the table was filled with juice boxes, tuna, canned chicken, fruit cups and granola bars donated by residents.
“The people of Francestown immediately stepped up to contribute generously, as soon as our food drive to support End 68 Hours of Hunger was announced,” said Jonas. “The effort to end childhood hunger in our ConVal School District resonated with everyone in our community, regardless of political party preferences. We are all in this together, especially with the possibility of reductions in SNAP funding.”
Each End 68 Hours of Hunger weekend bag contains two breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners and two snacks for a student facing food insecurity.
Some of the donated food is being shared with the Francestown Food Pantry, overseen by Lori Hardwick-Way.
Financial contributions are encouraged. To donate, visit end68hoursofhunger.org.