Area firm gives financial boost to backpack and school pantry programs

Thank you notes are seenThe Schoharie Backpack and School Pantry programs recently received a generous donation from Fenimore Asset Management. 

The request was for a $1,000 donation, however Fenimore Asset Management provided the programs with $1,500! Schoharie students wrote and mailed “thank you” messages to the firm.

The Schoharie Backpack program partners with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to provide food to students with food insecurity on weekends and extended breaks. It’s financial support is completely dependent on generous community donations.

Each Backpack typically contains:

2 breakfast items (cereal, oatmeal packets, graham crackers, granola bars)

3 entrées (mac & cheese, PB & J, Spaghettios, tuna, soup)

A loaf of bread

Milk card for a gallon of milk (distributed every other week) * one per family

Egg card for a dozen eggs (distributed every other week) * one per family

Fresh fruits (when available)

Canned vegetables (distributed monthly)

2 snacks (cookies, popcorn, pudding, etc.)

The Backpack Program is designed to meet the needs of hungry  children on weekends when school breakfasts and lunches aren’t  available. The Program provides bags filled with food that is  child-friendly, non-perishable and easily consumed. Bags are  packed and delivered each week by Life Skills students & staff at  Schoharie High School before being discreetly distributed to  participating children every Friday afternoon.  

“Fenimore is committed to enriching our region through charitable giving, including community service and financial support. Our vision is to transform lives and transform communities for generations,” the firm said in an email to Schoharie announcing the award.