July 6, 2010
- We received a generous donation from the women of Bynum Methodist Church, to be used to help provide additional fresh food for the Fuel Up Summer Gap program, which is so appreciated! We also received a large box of shelf-stable food, collected by Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. We are really excited about the quantity and quality of the food we’re able to provide this summer, thanks to the generosity of our very special community.
June 19, 2010
Uh-oh, Spaghettios!
- There is a recall on Spaghettios products, including Spaghettios shapes with meatballs, which may have been undercooked. The items affected have “EST 4K” in the code stamped on their bottom, so please check your pantry if you buy Spaghettios products. None of the Spaghettios on the Fuel Up shelf were affected by this recall, so we’re optimistic that the cans still in the CanStruction are also unaffected.
June 16, 2010
- The Fuel Up Summer Gap program launched at Perry Harrison School today! 25 students are participating in the summer program, and all bags have been “adopted.” Many thanks to the 19 families who have agreed to pack and deliver bags to the school each week this summer, to the Chapel of the Cross ABC Community Grant Program for their grant which will provide fresh food each week, and to the Farmers Market FoodShare program which will provide some of the fresh fruit each week this summer.
June 10, 2010 - Yesterday, we sent home the last Fuel Up bags of the regular school year. While today (the last day of school) is the favorite of many students, it marks the beginning of a more uncertain time for others. During Summer Break, when school meal assistance programs aren’t available, many children are undernourished. Realizing that Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School was perhaps even more important in the summer time, we planned to offer a Summer Gap program for the 10-week Summer Break.
- Volunteers have “adopted” the bags of students interested in participating in the summer program, and will bring a brown paper grocery bag filled with prescribed staple food items to the school office each week.
- A grant specifically obtained for the purpose of supplementing a summer food program will be used to purchase fresh fruit and other fresh foods such as milk, eggs, cheese, deli meat, etc. (Thank you, Chapel of the Cross ABC Community Grant Program!!!)
- Summer program participants will pick up their bags of food each week in the Perry Harrison School office (or a volunteer will deliver to them).
June 3, 2010- Wow, we had an amazing turnout for the CanStruction building session this afternoon! Over 60 (yes, sixty!) 2nd Graders stayed after school to help build. We divided the children into four groups, and provided four “stations” for them: one group sorted cans into groups according to size and label color, one group was responsible for shuttling cans to the group of students doing the actual building (and received a talk about nutrition from Debbie McKenzie, Director of Childhood Nutrition for Chatham County), one group was doing the actual building, and one group was working on a Fuel Up word search and a Fuel Up crossword puzzle. Each group rotated around to each of the different stations, and hopefully the kids had as much fun as they seemed to be having!
The CanStruction built by Second Grade students turned out to be a Food Pyramid. Take a look…
May 31, 2010- A big "thank you!" to everyone who participated in the Fuel Up food drive and CanStruction contest last week. It was a huge success for Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School, and we are so appreciative of the wonderful support we received from the PHS community.
Congratulations to the 2nd Graders, who have won the privilege of building a CanStruction sculpture in the school lobby!
- In total, we collected 685 items. The 2nd Grade contributed 181 of those cans.
- Most of the items donated were indeed cans of food (A few boxed snacks and food in pouches are included in the 685-item total).
- About 125 cans of the 686 collected will be shared with a local food pantry (They were items that cannot be used in the Fuel Up program). That leaves 560 cans for the winning grade to build their CanStruction sculpture with!
- This week, we are collecting canned goods as part of our 2nd Annual CanStruction Contest. The grade that collects the most cans of food will win the privilege of building a CanStruction in our school lobby. The sculpture of cans will remain on display through the end of the school year.
This contest is not only a great way to build up the supply of food for use in the Fuel Up program, it is a good vehicle for discussing the topic of food insecurity in our community with children. The teachers can also create age-appropriate math lessons for their students based on the number of cans collected, number of cans needed to provide a weekend’s worth of food for all of the participating students, etc. We look forward to the daily updates and to seeing which grade will win!
May 13, 2010
- Today we added a pair of siblings to the program, bringing the number of children served by Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School to 35. We also held the 2nd Quarter Meeting of our Board of Directors, which was well-attended by Board Members, Perry Harrison School faculty and staff members, as well as Fuel Up volunteers.
April 21, 2010
- The Fearrington Farmer’s Market FoodShare Program has provided us with enough sweet potatoes to send home with each of the children in our program. We’ve scrubbed them, wrapped a belly band with microwave cooking directions around them, and included them in this weekend’s bags. What a delicious and healthy addition to the weekend’s food! Thank you, Fearrington Farmer’s Market!
April 18, 2010
- Yesterday morning after we packed the Fuel Up bags at PHS, volunteers from Perry Harrison School had the privilege of helping pack the first bags for Rashkis Elementary School's new weekend food program. The official launch of their program (also serving 33 children) was really exciting! We are thrilled for the Rashkis community, and are so pleased to have been able to share the strategy for a Fuel Up program with yet another school!
April 16, 2010
- Two new students were added to the program today, bringing the total number of children being served by Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School to 33.
March 29, 2010
- Today, a team of eight volunteers (and a few little helpers) gathered to pack large bags of food for the 9-day Spring Break which begins on Friday. Bags will be available for parents of participating students to pick up beginning tomorrow, to make sure that they’re all picked up or delivered before the break begins. Each of the 31 students currently participating in the program is receiving two very large bags, filled with enough food to last for the 9-day break.
March 1, 2010- In addition to putting on a wonderful performance for the school on Friday night, the Perry Harrison School Drama Club collected 386 items for the Fuel Up program in lieu of admission! (We send an average of 15 items home each weekend with each of the 32 students participating in Fuel Up at Perry Harrison -- That means that the food collected at the play is equivalent to a whole weekend's worth of food for almost 26 kids.
The Drama Club members should be very proud of their performance in the play, AND their contribution to Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School. Again, we are so grateful to the members of our community for this kind of generous support.
February 24, 2010- When we went into the "Fuel Up Closet" this morning to pack bags, we had the happy surprise of finding several boxes of Girl Scout cookies! Apparently, when Girl Scout Troop 1200 was selling cookies this weekend, they had several people ask if they could donate money instead of buying cookies (These are people who obviously have phenomenal self-discipline). The girls of Troop 1200 decided that they'd like to use the donated funds to purchase cookies for the Fuel Up students, which was a really thoughtful gesture. We were able to include them as this weekend's sweet snack, and we know that the kids will be really excited to find them in their bags this weekend! Thank you, Girl Scout Troop 1200!
February 22, 2010 - On Friday night, the Middle School students at Perry Harrison School had a "King and Queen of Hearts" dance. In lieu of admission, students were asked to bring an item to be donated to Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School. The Middle School students were extremely generous to our organization, with a total of 471 items collected, and we are so very appreciative.
To put things in perspective, we have 32 students currently participating in Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School. Each weekend, we send home an average of 15 items with each of them, which means we need about 480 items each week to provide weekend meals and snacks for the kids participating in our program. The "Middle Schoolers" essentially provided enough food for ONE WHOLE WEEKEND for EVERY STUDENT PARTICIPATING IN FUEL UP AT PERRY HARRISON SCHOOL -- Wow!
We are truly delighted with all of the healthy, appealing foods the kids decided to share, and especially with the huge show of support for Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School.
February 17, 2010- The first meeting of the Board of Directors for Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School was held tonight. We are so pleased to have such a talented and committed group of professionals serving us on our Board:
- Dan Barnwell - Assistant Principal of Perry Harrison School
- Jennifer Buckmire - Officer, Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School
- Nancy Fahrbach - Guidance Counselor and Officer, Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School
- Terri Fannin - 5th Grade Teacher and Officer, Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School
- Sarah Blake Finigan - Director, Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School
- Mary Beth Grealey - Officer, Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School
- Kimberly Harris - Treasurer of Perry Harrison School
- Dr. Kim Kylstra - Pediatric and Family Practitioner with Chatham Crossing Medical Center
- Debbie McKenzie - Director of Child Nutrition for Chatham County
- Sally Maslansky - Marriage and Family Therapist
February 10, 2010
- Results are in! In an effort to gauge the effectiveness of Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School, we conducted separate surveys of the parents of children participating in the program and the teachers of children participating in the program. Here’s what we heard:
- Teachers all reported that it was easy for them to participate in the Fuel Up program, and that it was not difficult to maintain privacy for the students with regard to participation in the program. A few did report, however, that students were “so proud of having the food” or “so excited about getting the bag each week” that they “told everyone” and had no problem with their classmates knowing that they were participating in the Fuel Up program.
When asked if they had seen any positive changes since their student(s) began participating in the program, the teachers responded with a variety of benefits, including wellness, academic improvement, and improved self-esteem. One teacher remarked, “So many variables come into play, but certainly the program adds to their academic progress and general health.”
When asked how Fuel Up at Perry Harrison could be improved, the general consensus was that it seems to be working well. Most comments were along the lines of this one: “Just keep it going!”
One teacher recommended that we periodically check in with families to see if their status has changed: That is, to routinely verify with the participating families that they still need to participate; and to remind other parents that the program is available, in case someone’s financial situation has suddenly changed. Another teacher said, “I think it is such a wonderful program. I can’t express how much I appreciate the hard work and love that is put into making it work.”
- Parents of the Students participating in the program also reviewed our program. They ALL indicated that they had seen a positive change in their child(ren)’s health since they began participating in Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School. Some also indicated that their children were “doing better in school” and that they had seen improvements in their child(ren)’s self-esteem.
When asked if their child(ren) liked the food provided, the results were evenly divided between “He/she loves it!” and “He/she likes most of it.” (Happily, no one circled “Not really.”)
ALL parents indicated that participation in the Fuel Up program helps their family financially, and most indicated that the amount of food sent home each weekend was enough for the child, with a little extra to share with other family members.
When asked what their children like best about participating in Fuel Up, one family indicated that “La comida es facil de preparar y a los ninos les gustan (The food is easy to prepare, and the children enjoy the food).” One parent said, “Everything! Thanks so much for your help.” The best thing for another child was “knowing that there are people willing to help out.”
February 4, 2010
- Last weekend, we added a 33rd student. It turned out to be excellent timing, since we had two snow days right after the weekend! When the new participant's bag was returned this week, there was a note inside from the parent: "Thank you so very much for the food. It was a real blessing to get it." Everyone who was there to pack bags this morning had the pleasure of reading those words and knowing that their efforts can truly make a difference in people's lives.
January 13, 2010
- We added a student to the program today, just in time for the five-day weekend. As always, we are so appreciative of the fact that we are in the position to accommodate new participants because of the generous support of this community. We are now serving 32 children each weekend.
January 4, 2010
- Today Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School filed its Articles of Incorporation with the State of North Carolina to become a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and will be filing with the Federal IRS as soon as the Letter of Determination arrives from the State of NC. The process should take approximately 60 days.
Now that the Articles of Incorporation have been filed, we must act independently of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church, which has until now served as our fiscal agent. Through our partnership with them, we've been able to establish a pattern of fiscal responsibility for our organization, we've been able to receive both private donations and grants that we would not have otherwise been eligible for, and most importantly, we've been able to serve far more hungry children than we ever would have been able to reach without their support. We are so appreciative of the relationship we've enjoyed with Chapel in the Pines for the last year and a half!
Moving forward, all monetary donations will be made to "Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School," and can either be dropped off at the school office or mailed to PO Box 5085, Chapel Hill, NC 27517-5001. If our 501(c)(3) status is approved, donations will be retroactively tax-deductible to the date of the application (1/4/2010). Please contact us with any questions.
December 14, 2009
- Today a group of volunteers gathered to pack 31 large boxes of food, each with enough to sustain a child for the 16-day Holiday Break. The food was then delivered to the school Guidance Counselor's office, where it was paired with donations from the Salvation Army or local churches, all to help ensure a happy holiday for the participating children and their families. Our "packing session" was a lot of fun, and we all felt a great deal of gratitude for the generous donations that made it possible to purchase such plentiful, nutritious and appealing food, for each other's friendship, and for the ability to do something meaningful to to help children in our community. Thanks to all who helped make the Holiday Boxes possible!
December 4
- Last night we had the privilege of sharing the mission of the Fuel Up program with so many incredible women (and a few very brave men) at the Chapel Hill Giving Party. The contributions made or pledged to Fuel Up will allow us to serve SIX additional children in the program next year, which is just amazing in this tough economic climate! Moreover, because of interest in the program which was generated at the Chapel Hill Giving Party, we will have the opportunity to help launch a Fuel Up program at a Chapel Hill school in 2010. Congratulations to the hostesses of the Chapel Hill Giving Party for all of the good that will result from this wonderful event, and thanks to all who participated in it!
November 30
- Another student was added to the program today, bringing the number of children we serve each weekend to 31. We were able to add this student without hesitation, knowing that we have the support of the 2010 Carolina Meadows' Community Grant, and that we will be participating in the Chapel Hill Giving Party later this week!
November 24, 2009
- After school today, two of the Girl Scouts from Troop 365 working towards their Silver Award gathered and inventoried the food collected during their November food drive. They included some 2nd graders from a younger Girl Scout troop in this "event," and demonstrated a great deal of maturity, responsibility and sensitivity in the process. Their food drive brought in 602 items, which will go a long way in terms of helping us provide weekend food for students participating in Fuel Up at Perry Harrison School. Congratulations to these young ladies, and thanks to everyone who participated in the food drive!
November 23, 2009
- Thirty bags were packed today with enough food to last for the 5-day Thanksgiving break. The fact that some of the parents called the school to confirm that Fuel Up bags would be coming home on Tuesday is a good indication of the need that exists.
November 20th, 2009
- Fuel Up at Perry Harrison Program Coordinator Sarah Blake Finigan was interviewed by Chatham County Public Information Officer Beth McCullough for the "School Notebooks" segment on WNCA, AM 1570. Please listen to the podcast here.
November 15th, 2009
- We just received wonderful news from the Board of Directors at Carolina Meadows: The Carolina Meadows Community Grants Program will once again award funds to Fuel Up at Perry Harrison! Their generous support has been invaluable as we have built and sustained our weekend food program -- We are so very grateful for it!
October 28, 2009:
- Girl Scout Troop 365 has several 6th, 7th and 8th Graders who are working to achieve their Silver Award in Scouting. The service project they have chosen will include a food and school supplies drive at Perry Harrison School (They are doing a separate drive at North Chatham School as well). These young ladies will be placing collection boxes in each of the classrooms at PHS next week, and will be encouraging students to bring donations for Fuel Up between November 5th and November 24th. We are really excited that Troop 365 has chosen to do this food drive for Fuel Up. It will certainly help us provide enough food for the fast-approaching 16-day Winter Break!
October 19, 2009:
October 14, 2009:
- Two new students were added to the program today, just in time to receive food for the upcoming long weekend! While we were sorry that the need was there, we were really pleased to be able to meet it. To all of our generous contributors, thank you so much!
October 7, 2009:
- Local dentists have been very generous! Dr. Avni Rampersaud provided children's toothbrushes and toothpaste for each of the students participating in the Fuel Up program. Dr. Annelise Hardin of Village Pediatric Dentistry also provided us with enough children's toothbrushes and toothpaste for all of the children, so that as we enter "Cold and Flu Season," we'll be able to provide the students with a fresh toothbrush to swap out after an illness. Thank you, Drs. Rampersaud and Hardin!
September 16, 2009:
- Twenty-eight bags were packed and distributed to teachers today. They will go home with students for the first time this year on Thursday, September 17th.
August 2009: - Through an exciting new partnership with the Carrboro Farmers Market FoodShare Program, Fuel Up at Perry Harrison will be able to provide excellent-quality produce not sold at Saturday markets to the students participating in the Fuel Up program. We will be able to receive produce that has a long shelf life, and that requires minimal preparation (such as apples, potatoes, and sweet potatoes) from the FoodShare program, and are thrilled at the prospect of being able to provide even more fresh items each week!
July 2009 - Fuel up at PHS received a generous grant from the Chapel of The Cross' ABC Subcommittee, which will allow us to serve two additional students in the 2009-2010 school year. We are very appreciative of the support that Chapel of the Cross has continued to provide for the Fuel up program.
June 2009 - Local Girl Scout Troop 977 provided Summer Fun packs
for children participating in the Fuel Up program. These "goody bags"
contained thoughtful items such as snacks, toothbrushes, age- and
gender-appropriate toys or activities, and vegetable or flower seeds.
We are very appreciative of their contribution, and are impressed with
the care that went into preparing these Summer Fun packs.
- "Take and Read," a local program that provides books for children
who might not otherwise own books, gifted each of the students
participating in the Fuel Up at PHS program with a book selected by
their homeroom teacher. The "Take and Read" committee even wrapped each
of the books to make them extra-special for the children!
April 2009 - Thanks to a generous donation from the Osman
Foundation, two additional students will be added to the Fuel Up
Program for the 2009-2010 school year. Considering that none of the
children currently participating in the program will be graduating from
PHS, and more children will be joining the school next year, this is
especially welcome
March-April 2009 - Perry Harrison School participated in the Feinstein
Foundation $1 Million Challenge to Fight Local Hunger. During this
time, 1356 food items and $ were collected to benefit Fuel Up at Perry
Harrison School. Additionally, the Feinstein Foundation has promised to
partially match the donations made to Fuel Up during this drive.
- One of the most fun events associated with the March-April
Challenge was the CanStruction Contest. The grades competed to see who
could collect the most food items for Fuel Up; and in a close
competition, the 5th Graders won! Click here to see the CanStruction
that the 5th Graders designed and built with some of the canned goods
collected.
December 2008- On December 15, twenty-seven boxes were packed with enough food to last the 16-day holiday break.
- Thanks to the generosity of the Chapel Hill Giving Party attendees, four additional children have been added to the program.
November 2008- Fuel Up at PHS receives a grant from the Carolina Meadows' Community Grant Program. The grant period runs from December 15, 2008 to December 15, 2009.
- An initial survey of parents, teachers and administrators was conducted. Along with current statistics, you can read comments here.
- Thanks to the generosity of donors, the number of children increases to 23.
October 30, 2008- Thanks to the generosity of donors, the number of children served increases to 22.
October 2, 2008- Fuel Up at PHS launches! The first bags of food are sent home with twenty students.
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