The Food Bank of the Southern Tier has received $25,000 from Ithaca’s Park Foundation to support its work in addressing hunger in Tompkins County. This reflects the Foundation’s recognition of the vital role that food can play as a foundation for justice work and community building.
Over 14,000 Tompkins County citizens are considered food insecure. The Foundation joins the Food Bank in its commitment to the basic principles of sharing and providing food as an essential tool in the foundation of a strong, vibrant society. The grant supports the Food Bank’s service to 21 partner agencies in Tompkins County – including food pantries and meal programs – as well the Mobile Food Pantry Program and Child Hunger programs which include the BackPack Program and Kids’ Farmers Markets. The Food Bank also serves nearly 3,400 students at Mobile Food Pantries on Ithaca’s college campuses.
The Park Foundation was founded in 1966 by media executive Roy H. Park. This grant is part of two-year $50,000 commitment on the part of the Foundation. The Community Needs program concentrates on opportunities for low-income residents of Tompkins County.