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Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
StarKist®, Feed the Children, and Feed 479 Unite to Support 400 Northwest Arkansas Families with Food and Resources
Community Resource Rally Delivers Essential Aid to Local Families Facing Summer Insecurity ROGERS, Ark., June 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With summer in full swing and school cafeterias closed for the season, many families in Northwest Arkansas are looking for ways to keep meals on the table. Today, StarKist®, Feed the Children, and Feed 479 joined forces at Cross Church in Rogers, AR, to host a Summer Food and Resource Rally, delivering food, essential household items, and a sense of hope to 400 families across the region. They were joined by Walmart associates, as well as Advantage Solutions and Flywheel, whose partnership and participation helped make the event a true community-wide effort. The initiative reflects a powerful collaboration between a national food brand, a global nonprofit, and a dedicated local pantry, all working toward one goal: supporting families experiencing food insecurity during a season of heightened need. "StarKist is a socially responsible company that empowers people to live a healthy lifestyle by providing convenient, nutritious protein products," said Edward Min, President and CEO of StarKist. "We're proud to work with Feed the Children and Feed 479 to offer meaningful support to families in Northwest Arkansas. Events like this rally are a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together for our communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to get our StarKist products into the hands of those who need them most." During the event, volunteers, including StarKist employees, local officials, and community advocates, distributed 400 family kits. Each kit included StarKist protein products, a 25-pound box of shelf-stable food, a 15-pound box of hygiene essentials, and additional resources to help ease the burden for families this summer. "We here at Feed 479 are so excited to partner with Feed the Children and StarKist for this great Summer Family Event. Each year at our Feed 479 'Choice' Pantry, we see an increase in need during the summer months as families have more demand for meals due to their children being home from school," said Dennis Smiley, Director of Feed 479. "Events such as this give a little extra blessing for these families during these summer months. We are grateful to be able to be part of such a wonderful event." For Feed the Children, the Summer Food and Resource Rally provides an opportunity to help meet the community's immediate needs while making a meaningful difference for families. Feed the Children believes it takes everyone – the nonprofit sector, corporations, community organizations, government officials, and food suppliers – to come together to end childhood hunger. "We've seen the significant impact Resource Rallies have in supporting communities experiencing food insecurity, and we're grateful to be working with StarKist and Feed 479 to make a difference in the lives of children and families," said Emily Callahan, President and CEO of Feed the Children. "Working together we're able to provide food and quality of life essentials that children and families need to survive, grow, and thrive. Through the power of partnership, we can make a greater impact as we seek to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry." This Resource Rally follows a similar event held earlier this month in Reston, VA, home to StarKist's corporate headquarters. Looking ahead, StarKist and Feed the Children will continue their collaboration with additional events planned for the upcoming holiday season. For more than 16 years, StarKist has remained deeply committed to the fight against hunger, donating over 1.2 million pounds of nutritious, protein-packed tuna and chicken products to communities in need. These contributions amount to nearly $4.9 million in product donations, along with an additional $985,000 in financial support to help address food insecurity across the United States. Through its enduring partnership with Feed the Children, StarKist has played an instrumental role in more than 20 Resource Rally events nationwide, including vital disaster relief and emergency response initiatives. This ongoing collaboration builds on a legacy that dates back to 1917, when the company first stepped up to help feed the nation during World War I. Today, that same spirit of service continues, fueled by purpose and strengthened through partnership. About StarKist Co. is a socially responsible company that empowers people to live a healthy lifestyle by providing convenient nutritious proteins. An industry innovator, StarKist was the first brand to introduce convenient single-serve pouch products, which include StarKist Tuna Creations®, Salmon Creations®, and Chicken Creations® in over 40 varieties. As America's favorite tuna, StarKist represents a tradition of quality, consumer trust and a commitment to sustainability. StarKist's charismatic brand icon, Charlie The Tuna®, swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. StarKist Co. is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Dongwon Industries Co., Ltd. About Feed the ChildrenFeed the Children is a leading nonprofit committed to ending childhood hunger. The organization believes that no child should go to bed hungry, and so it provides children and families in the U.S. and around the world with the food and essentials kids need to grow and thrive. Through its programs and partnerships, the organization feeds children today while helping families and communities build resilient futures. In addition to food, Feed the Children distributes household and personal care items across the United States to help parents and caregivers maintain stable, food-secure households. Internationally, it expands access to nutritious meals, safe water, improved hygiene, and training in sustainable living. As responsible stewards of its resources, Feed the Children is driven to pursue innovative, holistic, and child-focused solutions to the complex challenges of hunger, food insecurity, and poverty. For children everywhere, the organization believes that having enough to eat is a fundamental right. Learn how you can help create a world without childhood hunger at About Feed 479Feed 479 is the ministry arm of Compassion Center of NWA, a non-profit that was established in 2016 with the mission of "Extending Help, Love and Dignity to Northwest Arkansas." Feed 479 accomplishes this by offering a choice food pantry to our friends and neighbors, where people can come and receive fresh and healthy food in an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. Every week hundreds of families come through our door to pick out fresh produce, meats, deli items, bakery items and shelf stable items to help meet their needs. To provide this food, Feed 479 trucks pick up retail rescue items daily from local partners which we can distribute to our neighbors in a timely manner. In 2024, through our choice pantry in Springdale and our mobile pantries in Rogers and Fayetteville, Feed 479 has served and extended help, love and dignity to over 250,000 individuals in our community. Media Contacts:StarKist: Michelle Ford Faist / 571-441-8096 / the Children: Kelly Frey / 405-945-4064 / 479: Dennis Smiley/ 479-372-1051 / Denniss@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE StarKist Co.
Associated Press
16 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
StarKist®, Feed the Children, and Feed 479 Unite to Support 400 Northwest Arkansas Families with Food and Resources
Community Resource Rally Delivers Essential Aid to Local Families Facing Summer Insecurity ROGERS, Ark., June 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With summer in full swing and school cafeterias closed for the season, many families in Northwest Arkansas are looking for ways to keep meals on the table. Today, StarKist®, Feed the Children, and Feed 479 joined forces at Cross Church in Rogers, AR, to host a Summer Food and Resource Rally, delivering food, essential household items, and a sense of hope to 400 families across the region. They were joined by Walmart associates, as well as Advantage Solutions and Flywheel, whose partnership and participation helped make the event a true community-wide effort. The initiative reflects a powerful collaboration between a national food brand, a global nonprofit, and a dedicated local pantry, all working toward one goal: supporting families experiencing food insecurity during a season of heightened need. 'StarKist is a socially responsible company that empowers people to live a healthy lifestyle by providing convenient, nutritious protein products,' said Edward Min, President and CEO of StarKist. 'We're proud to work with Feed the Children and Feed 479 to offer meaningful support to families in Northwest Arkansas. Events like this rally are a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together for our communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to get our StarKist products into the hands of those who need them most.' During the event, volunteers, including StarKist employees, local officials, and community advocates, distributed 400 family kits. Each kit included StarKist protein products, a 25-pound box of shelf-stable food, a 15-pound box of hygiene essentials, and additional resources to help ease the burden for families this summer. 'We here at Feed 479 are so excited to partner with Feed the Children and StarKist for this great Summer Family Event. Each year at our Feed 479 'Choice' Pantry, we see an increase in need during the summer months as families have more demand for meals due to their children being home from school,' said Dennis Smiley, Director of Feed 479. 'Events such as this give a little extra blessing for these families during these summer months. We are grateful to be able to be part of such a wonderful event.' For Feed the Children, the Summer Food and Resource Rally provides an opportunity to help meet the community's immediate needs while making a meaningful difference for families. Feed the Children believes it takes everyone – the nonprofit sector, corporations, community organizations, government officials, and food suppliers – to come together to end childhood hunger. 'We've seen the significant impact Resource Rallies have in supporting communities experiencing food insecurity, and we're grateful to be working with StarKist and Feed 479 to make a difference in the lives of children and families,' said Emily Callahan, President and CEO of Feed the Children. 'Working together we're able to provide food and quality of life essentials that children and families need to survive, grow, and thrive. Through the power of partnership, we can make a greater impact as we seek to create a world where no child goes to bed hungry.' This Resource Rally follows a similar event held earlier this month in Reston, VA, home to StarKist's corporate headquarters. Looking ahead, StarKist and Feed the Children will continue their collaboration with additional events planned for the upcoming holiday season. For more than 16 years, StarKist has remained deeply committed to the fight against hunger, donating over 1.2 million pounds of nutritious, protein-packed tuna and chicken products to communities in need. These contributions amount to nearly $4.9 million in product donations, along with an additional $985,000 in financial support to help address food insecurity across the United States. Through its enduring partnership with Feed the Children, StarKist has played an instrumental role in more than 20 Resource Rally events nationwide, including vital disaster relief and emergency response initiatives. This ongoing collaboration builds on a legacy that dates back to 1917, when the company first stepped up to help feed the nation during World War I. Today, that same spirit of service continues, fueled by purpose and strengthened through partnership. About StarKist Co. StarKist Co. is a socially responsible company that empowers people to live a healthy lifestyle by providing convenient nutritious proteins. An industry innovator, StarKist was the first brand to introduce convenient single-serve pouch products, which include StarKist Tuna Creations®, Salmon Creations®, and Chicken Creations® in over 40 varieties. As America's favorite tuna, StarKist represents a tradition of quality, consumer trust and a commitment to sustainability. StarKist's charismatic brand icon, Charlie The Tuna®, swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. StarKist Co. is a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Dongwon Industries Co., Ltd. About Feed the Children Feed the Children is a leading nonprofit committed to ending childhood hunger. The organization believes that no child should go to bed hungry, and so it provides children and families in the U.S. and around the world with the food and essentials kids need to grow and thrive. Through its programs and partnerships, the organization feeds children today while helping families and communities build resilient futures. In addition to food, Feed the Children distributes household and personal care items across the United States to help parents and caregivers maintain stable, food-secure households. Internationally, it expands access to nutritious meals, safe water, improved hygiene, and training in sustainable living. As responsible stewards of its resources, Feed the Children is driven to pursue innovative, holistic, and child-focused solutions to the complex challenges of hunger, food insecurity, and poverty. For children everywhere, the organization believes that having enough to eat is a fundamental right. Learn how you can help create a world without childhood hunger at About Feed 479 Feed 479 is the ministry arm of Compassion Center of NWA, a non-profit that was established in 2016 with the mission of 'Extending Help, Love and Dignity to Northwest Arkansas.' Feed 479 accomplishes this by offering a choice food pantry to our friends and neighbors, where people can come and receive fresh and healthy food in an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. Every week hundreds of families come through our door to pick out fresh produce, meats, deli items, bakery items and shelf stable items to help meet their needs. To provide this food, Feed 479 trucks pick up retail rescue items daily from local partners which we can distribute to our neighbors in a timely manner. In 2024, through our choice pantry in Springdale and our mobile pantries in Rogers and Fayetteville, Feed 479 has served and extended help, love and dignity to over 250,000 individuals in our community. Media Contacts: StarKist: Michelle Ford Faist / 571-441-8096 / [email protected] Feed the Children: Kelly Frey / 405-945-4064 / [email protected] Feed 479: Dennis Smiley/ 479-372-1051 / [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE StarKist Co.
CBS News
4 days ago
- Politics
- CBS News
Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes summer food program, drawing criticism from educators and advocates
Gov. Greg Abbott's recent veto of a $60 million state plan to support low-income families through a federal summer food program has sparked concern among educators and hunger relief advocates across Texas. The program, known as Sun Bucks, would have provided $120 per eligible child to help families buy groceries during the summer months, when school meals are unavailable for many children. Schools step in to help "School may be out for summer, but hunger doesn't take a break," said Melinda Hillis, a representative with Dallas ISD's Food and Child Nutrition Services. "A lot of kids depend on schools to eat. So we offer summer meals to bridge that gap." Dallas ISD, along with dozens of other school districts across the state, continues to offer summer breakfast and lunch programs. The district is also preparing to distribute family food baskets starting next week, in partnership with food pantries and charitable food banks. Abbott cites federal funding concerns Despite these efforts, the vetoed Sun Bucks program was seen as a critical supplement. Abbott defended his decision by citing concerns over federal funding reliability. "There is significant uncertainty regarding federal matching rates for this and other similar programs," Abbott said in his veto explanation. Families face food insecurity But for families relying on free school meals, that uncertainty is already a daily reality. "Families that receive free meals from our district are eligible for EBT," Hillis said. "This program would have helped them continue feeding their children through the summer." Advocates call veto disappointing The veto has drawn sharp criticism from hunger relief organizations. Feeding Texas, a coalition of food banks across the state, called the decision disappointing. "The governor's veto comes at a time when nearly one in four children in Texas already face food insecurity," the organization said in a statement. Future of summer aid uncertain While school districts continue their summer meal campaigns, many are left wondering whether the state will reconsider its stance on summer food assistance in the future.
CBS News
12-06-2025
- General
- CBS News
CPS offering free meal program this summer in Chicago
Chicago Public Schools is launching its annual free summer meal program across the Chicago area. Meals are available for grab and go services at outdoor locations starting on Monday, June 30. Anyone ages 1 to 18 are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch at site locations following the end of the school year. Participants do not need to attend a CPS school or be enrolled in a summer program to receive meals. No ID or registration is required, however, children must be present and meals must be eaten on site. "As a District, we recognize that schools remain anchors for many neighborhoods even during the summer months," said Jason Mojica, executive director of CPS Nutrition Support Services in a statement. "These meals are more than food—they're a sign of stability, care, and continued partnership with families who count on us." To find a summer meal site near you, call (800) 259-2163 or visit the CPS website.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Free summer meals, grocery support for keiki available
As the school year concludes, families across Hawaii can access a suite of free programs aimed at keeping children fed and healthy during the summer months—when many students lose access to the meals they usually receive at school. 'No child in Hawai 'i should go hungry just because school is out, ' Deborah Zysman, executive director of Hawaii Children's Action Network, said in a statement. 'These summer meal programs help ease the burden on families while keeping our keiki healthy and nourished. They provide essential meals now, and help build healthier communities for the future.' Three primary resources are available to support low-income and working-class families this summer. All are funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and implemented in partnership with the state Department of Education, the state Department of Human Serv ices, Hawaii Child Nutrition Programs and various community organizations statewide. Eat-On-Site keiki meals Free meals will be available at dozens of schools, parks, libraries and community centers for any child or teen under 18—no registration or ID required. These meals must be eaten on site in supervised settings that encourage safe, communal dining. 'When school is out, many children in low-income communities lose access to the consistent meals they rely on, ' Greg Waibel, CEO of YMCA of Honolulu, said in a statement. 'That's why programs like the USDA Summer Food Service Program are so critical. As a Summer Food Service sponsor through our YMCA's at Kalihi, Leeward, Nuuanu and Waianae Coast ; and community sites at Barbers Point Elementary, Pohakea Elementary, US Vets Waianae, and Waipahu Safe Haven—all located in communities with high need—we're able to reach these children where it matters most, providing free, nutritious meals in a safe and supportive environment.' Families can find participating meal sites using the Hawaii Afterschool Alliance's 2025 Summer Programs + Meals map at /seasonal-programs. Locations offering Eat-On-Site meals are marked with yellow icons. Kaukau 4 Keiki kits Kaukau 4 Keiki offers families in eligible areas free weekly meal kits filled with fresh, local food. In addition to feeding children, the program supports Hawai 'i's local farmers and food vendors. 'Kaukau 4 Keiki is more than just a summer meal program—it's a lifeline for families on the Wai 'anae Coast and a vital link to Hawai 'i's local food systems, ' Avary Maunakea, executive director of Kahu mana, a nonprofit that supports vulnerable families through farming and community development, said in a statement. 'By sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers and vendors, we're not only feeding our keiki but also investing in our community's long-term resilience. It's a powerful model of how food security and economic sustainability can go hand in hand.' To check eligibility or apply for Kaukau 4 Keiki, visit Maui families can find local resources through SUN Bucks grocery benefits In addition to meal sites and kits, families can also receive $177 per eligible child for groceries through the new SUN Bucks program. The funds can be used at most local grocery stores and farmers' markets to help close the summer nutrition gap at home. Most qualifying families were supposed to receive the benefits automatically by mail in late May or early this month. Others may need to apply by Aug. 3. More information is available at and 'As a parent, summer can be really stressful when school meals aren't available, ' Tara Mossman, a college student and mother of a special needs child, said in a statement. 'SUN Bucks helps me stretch our grocery budget and gives me peace of mind knowing I can afford to buy healthy food for my son. These programs truly make a difference for families like mine.' While these summer meal programs provide critical support, their future may be uncertain due to proposed federal budget cuts. The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act, ' which includes significant reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs and Medicaid. According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill would reduce federal Medicaid spending by $793 billion and SNAP funding by $230 billion over the next decade. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities estimates that roughly 7.6 million people could lose Medicaid coverage under the proposed changes, and millions more may lose access to SNAP benefits. As of Fiscal Year 2024, approximately 161, 600 individuals in Hawaii participated in the SNAP program, representing about 11.2 % of the state's population. While specific data on the number of children benefiting from SNAP in Hawaii is not readily available, nationwide trends indicate that a significant portion of SNAP recipients are children. In addition to SNAP, Hawaii participates in the Summer EBT program, known locally as 'SUN Bucks.' For the summer of 2024, approximately 100, 000 children in Hawaii were eligible to receive Summer EBT benefits, totaling around $12 million in grocery assistance. These benefits are provided to help families purchase food during the summer months when school meal programs are not in operation. The proposed federal budget cuts, including reductions to SNAP and Medicaid, could significantly impact these programs. HCAN expressed concern, stating that the FY25 federal reconciliation budget includes substantial cuts to SNAP, which would reduce the number of keiki who automatically qualify for Summer EBT and school meals. HCAN encourages families to check their eligibility for Summer EBT benefits at /states / hawaii. Families who do not automatically qualify are urged to apply before the Aug. 3 deadline to ensure they receive assistance during the summer months.
