The Schenectady Foundation’s Weekend Backpack program will receive funding in the amount of $50,000 in the final New York State Budget agreement. The funding supports efforts to provide healthy nutritious food on the weekends for approximately 1,000 food-insecure elementary and middle school students in the City of Schenectady.

“This funding helps the Weekend Backpack Program expand in Schenectady County and include more schools,” said Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. “The program adds 1,500 hours of volunteer service to support the program and will leverage $175,000 in private sponsor and community member donations.”

The Schenectady Weekend Backpack Partnership is a model of community collaboration, bringing together the strengths of community partner organizations to benefit under-resourced children and families. The community partners are Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY, City Mission of Schenectady, Schenectady City School District, MVP Health Care, SEFCU and The Schenectady Foundation. Data from the implementation of the program over the last two years shows that children with a weekend supply of healthy food perform better academically, attend school more often, and have fewer behavioral reports. “By reducing food insecurity we can contribute to better outcomes in school and at home,” added Santabarbara.