Family Services of Westchester (FSW) has received a $15,000 grant from the ACME Markets Foundation’s Nourishing Neighbors Program. This will allow the non-profit organization to enroll its Head Start and Early Start families in vital federal nutrition programs.
“FSW was chosen to receive this grant because of its commitment to connecting qualified individuals with existing federal meal programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women Infants and Children (WIC),” said Andrea Parada, Associate Director of Grants and Donor Relations at FSW. “This generous donation will help our Head Start program address hunger issues in our community by connecting individuals in need with federal meal programs and help to ensure our neighbors have enough to food to put on their tables,”
“There are millions of people in this country who need access to nutritious food and qualify for federal food assistance programs, but they don’t know how to enroll or get the support they need,” said Dana Ward, ACME Markets Foundation. “By partnering with nonprofit organizations like FSW we know we can help make a difference in the lives of our neighbors who are facing food insecurity issues.”
The Head Start model, an evidence-based program, provides a top-quality preschool education while supporting the whole family through comprehensive school readiness programming, health and nutrition education for children and families, parenting skills development, guidance in navigating the school system, and family support services. Families must qualify based on income and other factors, and FSW staff are available to help parents understand the requirements and put together the paperwork.
Nourishing Neighbors is a charitable program of the ACME Markets Foundation and seeks to ensure at-risk children, adults, seniors and families have access to the food they need to thrive. More than 150 local food banks and community organizations, such as FSW, will receive Nourishing Neighbors grants so they can conduct outreach and provide SNAP and WIC enrollment support for neighbors in need. Additionally, ACME offers online SNAP access and educational information in all its stores.
FSW, founded in 1954, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing Westchester County with a wide range of social and mental health services that strengthen and support families, children and individuals at every stage of the life cycle. FSW’s programs are designed to support and empower the community, with a focus on mental health, youth development, and positive change.
