North Shore Bank recently made a $2,500 donation to the No Child Goes Hungry in Peabody weekend backpack program. The initiative, which was the idea of School Committeeman Jarrod Hochman, as well as Dennis and Michele Feld of Evans Flowers and Greenhouse in 2017, provides elementary students between first and eighth grade whose families qualify for free school breakfast and lunch, with backpacks containing enough food and snacks for the weekend.
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, and schools were closing, the program needed to shift its mission to assist those students in need at home. During the pandemic, the program delivers approximately 600 bags of food each week to roughly 300 students who reside in nearly 240 different residences.
Peabody School Committee Member, Jarrod Hochman said of the Bank's donation:
This contribution will allow us to provide basic nutrition to approximately 300 Peabody Public School students, that, due to no fault of their own suffer from food insecurity." He added, “Community partners like North Shore Bank continue to step up and come through to support the kids in our program. We appreciate their commitment.
Kevin M. Tierney, Chief Executive Officer of North Shore Bank stated:
We realize that during this pandemic year it’s tougher for the children and families in our community who have food insecurities. Education and promoting the wellness of children have always been a priority for us, and this initiative is helping not only the students but their entire family.
For more information on the program, or if you’re interested in volunteering or donating, contact Jarrod Hochman at 617-281-6494 or email
nochildgoeshungryinpeabody@gmail.com.