ALBANY, N.Y., March 7, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The final numbers are in, and once again, the generosity and caring for local children in need is overwhelming. Thanks to the support of dozens of individuals, businesses, and organizations, the annual CDPHP Holiday Appeal netted $31,555 for the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York's BackPack Program.
The program provides nutritious, easy-to-prepare foods to children in need in grades K-6. Each Friday, these students receive a backpack filled with food to take home over the weekend. The program continues to grow each year, and currently serves 2,500 children at 115 schools across 18 counties.
"The outpouring of support from our local community members, businesses, and organizations never ceases to amaze me. They are committed to fighting food insecurity and helping local children get the healthy foods they need to thrive," said John Bennett, MD, president and CEO, CDPHP. "Thanks to these donations, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York is able expand this outstanding program and to help more local families in need."
"Children participating in the Food Bank's BackPack Program are attending school more regularly and focusing and performing better while in school. The CDPHP Holiday Appeal makes it possible for many children to achieve those positive results," said Mark Quandt, executive director of the Regional Food Bank. "I want to thank CDPHP and all the businesses and individuals who contributed to the appeal for their compassion and generosity toward children in need in our communities."
Organizations that supported the 2015 CDPHP Holiday Appeal include:
Adirondack Cabling
Albany/Capital Region EWGA
Anchor Agency
Canoe Associates
CapBen Consulting
CapitalCare Medical Group
German American Club of Albany
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
LabCorp
Puro Construction Co
Rose & Kiernan Charitable Foundation
Ted's Floor Covering
During the 15th annual appeal, CDPHP encouraged individuals, organizations, and businesses to donate to the Regional Food Bank during the month of December and into January. CDPHP matched donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000.
Click here to find out why the BackPack Program is important to Cameron, a local student who participates in the program.
About CDPHP®
Established in 1984, CDPHP is a physician-founded, member-focused and community-based not-for-profit health plan that offers high-quality affordable health insurance plans to members in 24 counties throughout New York. CDPHP is also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram.
About the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York
The Regional Food Bank has been helping to feed the poor and hungry in our communities since 1982. It is the only organization of its kind in northeastern New York. The Food Bank collects large donations of food from the food industry and distributes it to charitable agencies serving hungry and disadvantaged people in 23 counties.