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02/24/2017 10:49 AMMany Branford businesses show a lot of heart for Feed Branford Kids (FBK), with the most recent heartfelt gesture coming from Lynn's Restaurant, said FBK founder Johanne Pantini.
"Lynn's wanted to do something for Feed Branford Kids and they came up with 'Have a Heart' for February. We're really grateful to all of the merchants who think of us and want to help," said Pantani.
The restaurant, located at 318 Main St., has a dedicated lunch crowd which gladly took up the challenge to add a paper heart to a dining-room Christmas tree doing double-duty as the FBK "Have a Heart" tree. In return for each $5 or $10 heart donation, diners receive a 10% discount on their lunch, courtesy of Lynn's.
Owner Lynn Demusis said contributions were adding up into hundreds as the month progressed, with 100% percent of every donation tagged for FBK.
"People are so generous. There are a lot more hearts on the tree than I ever thought there would be," said Demusis.
Founded in 2014, all-volunteer FBK is run in cooperation with Branford Public Schools and receives fiduciary oversight from non-profit Branford Food Pantry (BFP). BFK's mission is to deliver a weekend's worth of breakfast, lunch and snacks to Branford school kids need. The food is delivered on Fridays for students signed up at participating schools and confidentially placed in backpacks to travel home with the student. Currently, FBK assists kids from Tisko, Murphy, and Sliney elementary schools (grades Pre-K – 4) as well as St. Mary's School (Pre-K — 8) and pre-schoolers at Family Resource Center (former Indian Neck School).
In 2014, FBK's first delivery was filled for 10 kids, but the number quickly grew, with 70 signed up for weekly deliveries by the end of the school year. About 140 kids were assisted during the 2015-16 school year, and the 2016-17 school year started off with 156 per week receiving backpack deliveries.
FBK knows there are even more in need. According to the latest statistics, Branford now has 27 percent of public school students who qualify for federally-assisted free or reduced lunch; up from 23% qualifying just five years ago. That's over 800 children who may not have enough to eat on weekends. Still others may be out there, including kids that haven't been identified by the free/reduced program or those from families who may not qualify due to earning as little as one dollar over federal free/reduced lunch guidelines.
In addition to thanking the community and local businesses for continued support of FBK, Pantani said FBK's wish list includes the donation of a larger space to warehouse and ready food for weekly delivery. Ideally, a 1,500 square-foot space would help meet FBK's growing needs. The group has just about outgrown it current storage space, generously donated by FBK volunteer Sue Barnes.
"There could be someone with an available space in Branford who would be happy to donate it, but they just don't know about Feed Branford Kids. That's why we want to get the word out," said Pantani.
To contact Feed Branford Kids, call Branford Food Pantry at (203) 481-3663. Donations to help purchase food supplies are always welcome, send check made out to Branford Food Pantry, with "Feed Branford Kids" in the memo, to Branford Food Pantry, 30 Harrison Ave., Branford, CT 06405.