(Sussex County, Del.) - Anti-hunger advocates were bright-eyed and bushy tailed after cutting the ribbon on a new school pantry at the G.W. Carver Educational Center on Monday.
Rehoboth Beach jeweler, Harry Keswani made it all possible by way of the Food Bank of Delaware.
The Harry K. Foundation raised funds at last year's 'Christmas Ball' which made it possible for the foundation to donate a $36,216 check to go toward the new food pantry.
"[Harry Keswani] wanted to start a foundation and raise funds to alleviate hunger - particularly in Sussex County," says Chad Robinson, the Milford branch Director for the Food Bank of Delaware.
"So his interest has been to focus on areas in Sussex County where there might be need. The Indian River School District and the Carver Center pantry were just an extension of Harry's vision."
Needy families with children attending schools in the Indian River School District will now be able to get their hands on food and every day essentials like hygiene products every week, based on their household needs.
"These are kids that might not otherwise have food at all. And so we know the need is there. So figuring out how to provide it that's close to their families is the most important part," says Robinson.
The food bank has not only been able to fill a pantry but also provide more than 100 children throughout Sussex County with backpacks full of food for the entire school year.
Educators like Longneck Elementary counselor, Cathy Besden-Showell couldn't be more thrilled for an initiative aimed at uplifting Sussex County children and their families.
"I think it's great," she said. "I think if we can help our kids to have proper nutrition and have as much energy to do as well as they can in school, then I think it's great."
The Food Bank of Delaware, which received more than 900,000 visits to its pantries last year, says they have plans to end hunger state-wide -- one stomach at a time.
