Food Finders Awarded Over $11,000 for BackPack Program

On the evening of Tuesday, September 15, Food Finders Board Vice Chair Dennis Schlott stood in front of the Community Foundation’s 100+ Men Who Give, a quarterly meeting of local philanthropists. The format is daunting. Anyone who wants to speak puts their name in a hat. Only three are selected and given a five minute slot to make a case for why the group should direct their giving to a certain local cause.

Schlott was chosen to speak last. Masterfully, he introduced the group to Food Finders’ BackPack program in Tippecanoe County, which serves over 600 students weekly across 14 sites. He noted that five of these programs rely on funds raised by Food Finders. He explained how each bag is filled with 6-8 pounds of nutritious and kid-friendly food, sent home with them each Friday. He shared that when a child is hungry, it greatly impacts their ability to learn. How can anyone expect them to focus on school when they are focused on their next meal?

Since its inception in 2008 serving two schools, Food Finders’ BackPack program has grown to serve over 2,700 students weekly across our 16 counties. Its impact is evident from the feedback we receive from parents whose children participate. “Your program has helped us a lot since we’re new to the state,” said one parent who relocated their family to Indiana. “With rising costs and living on disability, it’s not always easy,” another explained. “Thank you for a helping hand.”

Skillfully coming in precisely under the five minute mark, Schlott successfully made the case for why the BackPack program was a meaningful investment in the local community. In the end, the group voted to direct their quarterly giving to Food Finders, who will use the $11,200 gift for the BackPack program in Tippecanoe County.

“I feel so incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation’s Men Who Give organization for selecting Food Finders to receive the quarterly award,” said Schlott.

Food Finders are also grateful to our amazing volunteer advocates, like Dennis Schlott, who use their time and resources to support feeding our neighbors, as well as to the Community Foundation’s 100+ Men Who Give for their generous donation.