Dallas will partner with the Childrens’ Hunger Outreach Program (CHOP) to offer students and families food beginning in February. CHOP began serving 45 students in Towanda, PA and since 2018, CHOP has grown to serve tens of thousands of students weekly in Maryland and Pennsylvania working toward a mission of ending childhood hunger. CHOP is currently serving 21 PA school Districts including Tunkhannock, Scranton, Southern Tioga, and Port Allegheny.

Our pilot program will include an In-School Pantry format at the middle and high school and Backpack program at the K-5 level. The goal of CHOP’s In-School Pantry Program is to have food available in schools so that kids can advocate for their own needs and for the needs of their families without the stigma associated with food insecurity. In-School Pantries are always open to every student, regardless of income or need. This helps reduce the stigma around food insecurity because it becomes part of the school culture. The Backpack Program is facilitated by offering parents the opportunity to sign up to receive a bag of food brought home with students on designated days throughout the program.

Additional information about CHOP can be found here. Specific details regarding the pilot program will be communicated via the building principals during the month of February via automated text and the website. Specific questions can be directed to Jacki Degnan, Dallas Home and School Visitor at jdegnan@dsdhs.com and Dani Ruhf at CHOP at dani@chopouthunger.org. Participation in the CHOP program is voluntary.