Submitted by Dana Felmet
Thanks to generous grants provided by the Food Bank of New Jersey and the Summit Area Public Foundation, GRACE was able to deliver over 1,500 pounds of shelf stable food from the food bank to Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School. The food will be distributed to families who experience food insecurity over the Teachers Convention weekend.
“Long weekends are difficult for families who rely on free or reduced price school meals. GRACE’s Backpacks will soon be in every Summit elementary school to nourish families experiencing food insecurity. We are excited to now collaborate with Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School. We commend their efforts to support the school’s vulnerable families,” says GRACE Chairwoman Amanda Block.
GRACE, which stands for Giving and Receiving Assistance for Our Community’s Essentials, was founded in 2016 by member and Summit local Amanda Parrish Block. The program was launched following research into the issue of food insecurity and the revelation that one in six Summit public school students is lacking access to fresh, nutritious foods. We believe that creating better communities starts with food and everyone should have the opportunity to shop for and enjoy healthy foods needed to fuel their minds and bodies. The GRACE program is making an enormous impact in our community and the momentum is strong. We rely on the efforts of volunteers and donations to continue providing these essentials.
The Junior League of Summit is a nonprofit, charitable, and educational organization of women who are committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more information about the Junior League of Summit or to inquire about becoming a member, please visit the website at jlsummit.org or contact the office at 908-273-7349. Those interested in donating to the League, please visit https://www.jlsummit.org/?nd=donate_summary.
