Keene, NH – In partnership with generationOn, the youth service division of Points of Light, C&S Wholesale Grocers is pleased to announce the results of the inaugural 5-Hour Service Marathon to End Hunger initiative held in mid-December. Modeled after similar “marathon” initiatives including the collection of nonperishable canned goods, food baskets, and holiday meals donations to families in need, The Service Marathon inspired and equipped young people to learn about the issue of food insecurity in America and gave them an opportunity to make an impact.
The 5-Hour Service Marathon expanded upon the success of the Make Your Mark on Hunger/What Will You Bring to the Table campaigns which C&S has supported since 2013. The initiative offered resources to enable kids, teachers and parents to gain a greater understanding about the issue of hunger and how to help those in need in their local community.
Highlights from the 5-Hour Service Marathon to End Hunger:
- Focus on five cities: Miami, FL; Jacksonville, FL; Fresno, CA; Sacramento, CA; and Stockton, CA
- 285 youth volunteers
- 115 adult volunteers
- 11,544 volunteer/service hours
- 2,346 pounds of food collected and donated
- 6,089 meals prepared
- 2,370 community members educated about the issue of hunger
One project within this initiative took place in Miami, FL where students from Miami Springs High School partnered with the organization Neighbors 4 Neighbors to collect food donations for families in need. A total of 75 youth and 20 adults dedicated 1,900 hours of service, organizing and planning the marathon. The students’ dedication and commitment to eliminate hunger helped provide hot meals and nonperishable items, as well as Christmas gifts, to 100 people. Volunteers learned about the importance of community support and how hunger affects families from different backgrounds.
”The impact made in these communities is a testament to the power of youth, who when engaged, can truly make a difference in the world,” said Jacqueline Innocent, Vice President of Points of Light. “We are proud of this continued partnership with C&S Wholesale Grocers which helps us to continue helping kids and teens make their mark on the world.”
About generationOn
generationOn, the youth service division of Points of Light, inspires, equips and mobilizes kids and teens to make their mark on the world through volunteer service. Programs equip youth with the skills to make a difference, while also supporting the development of caring and empathy. Through service with generationOn, youth are empowered to be compassionate changemakers in their communities and the world. For more information, visit https://generationon.org/ .
About Points of Light
Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, mobilizes millions of people to take action that is changing the world. Through affiliates in 250 cities across 37 countries and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 5 million volunteers in 20 million hours of service each year. They bring the power of people where it’s needed most. For more information, visit http://www.pointsoflight.org/ .
About C&S Wholesale Grocers
C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc., based in Keene, NH, is the largest wholesale grocery supply company in the U.S. and the industry leader in supply chain innovation. Founded in 1918 as a supplier to independent grocery stores, C&S now services customers of all sizes, supplying more than 14,000 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases, and institutions with over 140,000 different products. We are an engaged corporate citizen, supporting causes that positively impact our communities. To learn more, please visit https://www.cswg.com/ .
C&S community involvement programs support initiatives to fight hunger and to promote the health and enrichment of communities that are homes to the company’s employees and facilities. To learn more, please visit http://community.cswg.com/