"Did you know?

About 7% of Chapel Hill/Carrboro families with children under 18 live below the federal poverty level?  That represents over 900 local families whose annual incomes are less than $21,200 (for a family of 4).  While food stamps and food pantries are available, young children have no control over whether their families provide adequate food at home.  Many of these children go hungry on weekends and holidays.  Hungry children face an increased risk of health and academic difficulties."  ~TABLE, Inc.

TABLE is a non-profit coalition of local college students & community volunteers committed to feeding hungry children in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, NC.  Their Weekend Backpack Program gives participating children a "loaner" backpack on Fridays containing healthy food for the weekend.  Backpacks, instead of grocery bags, provide a sense of privacy.  The empty backpacks are then returned the following week to be restock for the next Friday.

The Red Hen is thrilled to join this cause.  Feeding hungry children seems so simple and so right.  As a small business we want to provide outstanding service to our community but we also want to make a difference.  We see this as a way to facilitate making a difference together.  As a mother with small children, and as a former "hungry child",  I want to start early teaching my girls about compassion, generosity and reaching out to help when we can.  There is collection bin at the store and we will take 5% off your purchase when you bring any of the food items listed below to donate to TABLE for the weekend backpacks.  This will be an ongoing policy, even after the holidays.

But at this time of year when Giving is such a part of our collective focus, we want to do even more.  I have spoken with Joy MacVane, the executive director at TABLE (and its visionary), and while food is a critical part of their outreach, they are also a new organization with a wide range of needs.  Am I too optimistic or ambitious to hope that the patrons of The Red Hen can raise $500 for TABLE during the month of December?  I am confident that we can do it!  And here is how The Red Hen will participate: whatever amount you donate to TABLE will be reciprocated to you from The Red Hen in the form of a special voucher for use in 2009.  For example, if you make a $100 tax-deductible donation to TABLE at The Red Hen in the month of December, you will receive a $100 voucher to The Red Hen (valid in 2009).  Any amount will be honored: $5, $10, $20, etc. Tell your friends and family!!

Here is the list of food items requested for Weekend Backpacks:
Juice Boxes (100% juice; multi-pack)
Non-Refrigerated Milk/Chocolate boxes
Peanut Butter
Fresh Bread
Raisins or Trail Mix
Granola Bars (low-fat)
Fresh Apples
Pop Tarts
Fruit or Pudding Cups
Microwave Popcorn
Pop Tarts
Animal or Graham Crackers
Macaroni & Cheese
Ramen Noodles
Canned Food:
     Chicken Vegetable Soup
     Beef Stew
     Tuna or Chicken
     Ravioli
     Spaghetti with Meatballs
     Corn
     Green Beans
     Carrots
     Fruit

Please remember to bring any of the items listed above for 5% off your purchase at The Red Hen!