United Way of the Ozarks' Female Leaders In Philanthropy (FLIP) Making Progress and Planning for the Future of its Hunger Hurts Kids Campaign Which is Feeding Hungry Children in Springfield Public Elementary Schools
Springfield, MO - United Way of the Ozarks' Women's Initiative, Female Leaders in Philanthropy (FLIP) announced the successful expansion of the backpack program available in eligible Springfield public elementary schools and the future of the campaign, Hunger Hurts Kids, which made the expansion possible, at a news conference at United Way of the Ozarks on October 29, 2007.
The Hunger Hurts Kids campaign was launched by FLIP in March of 2007 to raise funds for the backpack program maintained by Ozarks Food Harvest. FLIP leaders vowed to raise $210,000 to expand the program to ten Springfield public elementary schools over the next three years.
Future plans for the campaign were announced. FLIP chair, Dr. Nancy O'Reilly said, "We are by far just seeing the tip of the iceberg. We need funding for many years to come until we solve the problem of childhood hunger."
Bart Brown with Ozarks Food Harvest gave an update on the backpack program and discussed the upcoming farm bill. In addition, principals with two Springfield public elementary schools were be on hand to speak about the impact the backpack program has made in public schools since the inception of the Hunger Hurts Kids Campaign.
Representatives from United Way of the Ozarks, Female Leaders in Philanthropy, Springfield Public Schools and Ozarks Food Harvest will be on hand for questions following the news conference.