Malcolm Jenkins, PepsiCo, Feed the Children fight hunger in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — Today the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation, PepsiCo and Feed the Children are launching “Get Ready Fest: Feeding Philadelphia,” an event that provides 800 pre-identified Philadelphia-area families with wellness resources, food and essentials.
“We believe in a world where no child goes to bed hungry—a world in which kids grow up wide-eyed, curious, playful, eager to learn, strong, joyful, and full of dreams,” Feed the Children Interim CEO/President & COO Travis Arnold said.
The event in Philadelphia, where 27% of households live below the poverty level, is part of a larger series of events sponsored by Feed the Children.
“Our friends at PepsiCo and The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation aren't just providing food and essentials today … they're providing the skills to be successful and move forward out of poverty,” Arnold said. “They're helping kids be kids.”
The event, which takes place at Spruance Elementary School, will provide:
Food and Essentials Boxes: Feed the Children provides approximately 25 pounds of supplemental food that will assist a family of four for up to a week, in addition to a 10-pound box of essential items. Additional donations are being provided by PepsiCo, Bimbo Bakeries and Avon.
Health and Wellness: Long-term health and wellness information for families and expectant mothers will be provided on site. Veteran- and senior-specific information will also be available. Dental checkups, medical health screenings, vision screenings (all on site or vouchers for redemption at local clinics), haircuts and insurance options will be available as well.
Nutrition: Representatives with Supplemental Nutrition Access Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will assist in program sign ups and offer additional program information.
Career and Family Services: Local universities and technical colleges will provide information regarding continuing education, the local housing authority, legal aid, head start/child-care programs, financial-assistance programs and Work Force.
Kids Zone: Local teams/mascots will host a meet and greet and also promote local youth programs, the local library, summer programs for kids and refreshments.