TD Charitable Foundation announces $50,000 donation to Food Bank of Delaware
September 30, 2016
The TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, announced a $50,000 donation to the Food Bank of Delaware.
TD Bank associates and Food Bank of Delaware staff gathered at the food bank’s future home at 222 Lake Drive in Newark on Monday for the announcement. $25,000 will be used to help fund the Mobile Pantry program and $25,000 towards the Backpack Program for at-risk children.
“Through the Food Bank’s mobile program and Backpack initiative, so many families and children across the state of Delaware will receive the help they need,” said Mike Rayder, Donation and Foundation Manager, TD Charitable Foundation. “We are extremely happy to contribute to this effort and support an organization that is truly making a difference.”
The donation comes at a critical time as funding for the children’s Backpack Program is down, while demand is up. The program provides food to children in need for weekends and holidays when school is not in session and federal school meal programs are not available. Backpacks are stocked with kid-friendly, nutritious foods including shelf-stable milk and juice, meals such as macaroni and cheese and beef stew and more.
“We can’t do what we do without community partners like the TD Charitable Foundation,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Patricia Beebe. “School is back in session, and our Backpack Program continues to grow. This generous donation is helping us start the school year off on the right foot. Thanks to the TD Charitable Foundation, we will be able to provide more children with the food they need for the weekends and more nutritious foods like fresh produce to families through our mobile pantry.
The TD Charitable Foundation’s support will enable the Food Bank of Delaware to provide 149 children with weekend food for an entire school year and allow approximately 680-770 families to visit the pantry. Through the Mobile Pantry program, households access the pantry choosing foods best suited for their family. In addition, an education session may take place prior to distribution focusing on a variety of topics including nutrition, financial literacy, healthcare and more.
