Northborough Food Pantry

Schools coming together for Feinstein food drive

By Andrew Sullivan Contributing Writer

Northborough- All schools throughout the town of Northborough are preparing for the annual Feinstein Challenge, a program created by Allan Shawn Feinstein, of the Feinstein Foundation, to promote donations for food pantries in an eff ort to eliminate hunger. Throughout the area, schools will be competing to gather the most items for the Northborough Food Pantry.

“I think it’s fantastic,” Carrie Harding, the organizer for Fannie E. Proctor Elementary School, said. “Literally, this is a community challenge. I think it says a lot about the Northborough community.” The Feinstein Challenge consists of $1 million being divided among agencies that are battling the fight for hunger in an eff ort to bring donations up during March and April. All food donated to the Northborough Food Pantry between March 1 and April 30 is tallied and reported. Funds are distributed based on the percentage of food collected. Last year, the pantry received over 8,000 items and received a check for $270. It’s a great cause for the community.

“In these times, [the Food Pantry] needs it now more than ever,” said Christine Rice, art teacher and organizer for the challenge at Marion E. Zeh Elementary School. “It’s one of the largest fund-raisers for the food bank in town.”
It’s becoming a yearly event, and something that gives students a chance to show a bit of school spirit while also promoting good community service.

“I think it’s really great when we can be involved with other schools in the town,” said Julie Stanwood, organizer for St. Bernadette School. “I think it’s fantastic. The amount that is collected is something to be proud of.”

All schools have a unique added incentive for the students, each designed to bring special reward to the biggest contributors. Schools are offering ice cream parties, extra recesses, and various other prizes to the biggest fundraisers. The Proctor faculty has even offered to color their hair for a day, with the color determined by the results. It’s an extra fun part for the students.

“That is an extra motivator by having them compete against the different classes and see who can bring in the most items,” said Michele Hatem, organizer for Lincoln Street School. “You have to get them involved and get them excited.

“Students enjoy this time of year. They embrace the chance to raise awareness for hunger and provide a good learning experience for them down the road. It’s a unique opportunity.”

“It’s a great experience for the children to give back to their local community,” Stanwood said. “They are bringing food for people who are hungry, so it’s very easy for them to understand. It’s a terrific opportunity for them.”

The schools will have their drives going at various times in the next two months. Proctor will be accepting items from March 1 to April 30, Peaslee from March 8 through March 24, Lincoln during the week of April 12, St. Bernadette from March 1 through April 30, and Melican Middle School from April 5 to April 12. The staff is looking forward to the outcome of all the hard work.

“Normally this time of year, the Food Pantry is pretty empty,” Hatem said. “Each school brings between 700 and 1,000 items. So it packs the place and it’s a wonderful thing.”