The Hilton Central School District, in conjunction with the Hilton Education Foundation, recently launched the Cadet Cupboard, a food pantry for the district students. Children in need are provided with essential, nutritious food that they can subtly take home and safely prepare on their own.
School district staff is able to identify students in need based on multiple risk factors, including food insecure behavior, physical appearance, school performance and home environment. Once a parent consents to his or her child participating in the program, the student receives a pack of food placed in his or her backpack on Fridays during the school year and two packs before holiday breaks. The referral process and distribution is completely confidential.
Collection boxes are located in the foyer of each school in the Hilton School District: Hilton High School, Merton Williams Middle School, Northwood Elementary School, Quest Elementary School and Village Elementary School. Donations should be: kid friendly; nutritious; shelf stable; easy to prepare, even without a stove or other equipment; and individually packaged, or small and light enough to carry.
In addition to food donations, monetary donations that will cover the cost of food supplies for a backpack are needed. Donations can be made online atwww.hiltoneducationfoundation.org/giving. Or mail a check with “Cadet Cupboard” in the subject line to: Hilton Education Foundation, P.O. Box 232, Hilton, New York 14468.
Cadet Cupboard is looking for local employers to help fund the program as well. To learn more contact Program Coordinator Scott Ziobrowski at 392-1000, ext. 2152. For a list of kid-friendly, non-perishable food items, visithttp://hilton.k12.ny.us/info/cadetcupboard.htm.
Provided information
11/10/13
