Warwick Town Board names August as Backpack Snack Attack Back-to-School Month

WARWICK — On Thursday evening, July 19, the Warwick Town Board again officially proclaimed the month of August "Backpack Snack Attack Back to School Month."
Backpack Snack Attack is a non-profit organization that provides nutritional snacks to approximately 300 needy school children throughout the Town of Warwick each week of the school year. Each child costs approximately $5 per week so the weekly cost is about $1,400 per week.
A network of 90 businesses throughout the townThe program is run entirely by a group of volunteers and supported by donations and fund raising.
This is the sixth consecutive year for this event, which in the last five years has raised more than $64,000.
"That was thanks to the great community support we receive," said Backpack Snack Attack volunteer Len Singer. "This year we have about 90 businesses involved from the villages of Warwick, Pine Island, Greenwood Lake and Florida."
The funds are raised through customer donations in coin canisters in delis, banks and other stores with counters and envelopes in restaurants.
At Ochs OrchardOchs Orchard, for example, not only keeps its donation canister on the counter year round but it also provides Backpack Snack Attack with fresh fruit for the children during the school year at a substantial discount.
At ShopRiteAnother business, Leo Kaytes Ford, will partner with Warwick ShopRite on a fill the van program for the whole month. A Ford van will be parked in front of ShopRite and customers will be encouraged to help fill it with Backpack food items.
In addition, direct contributions are made by individuals and businesses.
All funds raised go directly to the purchase of food for the children to take home on weekends and school supplies before school reopens as there are no overhead costs.
Again Backpack Snack Attack will benefit from their fund-raising efforts including organizing activities to receive donations from customers and others in attendance.
"We look forward to another successful month of community support," said Backpack Snack Attack President Shirley Puett. "And we are especially grateful to all those businesses who have helped make this event a success every year."
EssentialsAnyone interested in getting involved in Back to School Month can contact Singer at lenscott57@gmail.com or Puett at backpacksnackattack@yahoo.com.
- Roger Gavan