For the first time since our Send Hunger Packing and School Pantry programs began, Care and Share provided holiday turkeys for each of our sites in El Paso and Pueblo counties (site coordinators picked up the turkeys at our distribution centers in Colorado Springs and Pueblo, which is why we focused on these two counties). We asked each school how many turkeys they needed to be sure every family they served would receive one. Every school received 100% of the number they asked for, and we distributed 399 turkeys! Our school coordinators were so excited for the opportunity to give families a little extra during the holiday season.

Additionally, some of our Send Hunger Packing sites have recently started distributing fresh produce in their packs. This is exciting because we have traditionally distributed non-perishable food only through this program. In October, squash was available for coordinators to add an extra healthy treat to their students’ backpacks, and we currently have potatoes available. We’ve also shared recipes with our school coordinators so they can provide their students and families with meal ideas and helpful tips for preparing fresh produce.

Thanks to the generosity of our community and the enthusiasm of our staff, hundreds of students struggling with hunger will be able to share a healthy meal with their family and have full stomachs this holiday season.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!