Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Child Hunger Outreach Partners
Legal Name (if Different): CHOP
Also Known As: CHOP Out Hunger
Mailing Address: 2 Elizabeth Street
City: Towanda
State: PA
Postal Code: 18848-1604
Main Phone: 5704855050
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.chopouthunger.org
Employer ID Number: 83-3319637
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 3/19/2026
Requested Amount: $6500

Project Title: In School Pantry & Weekend Backpack Program
Project Description:

Our Backpack Program and In-School Pantry Program work together to ensure students have consistent, reliable access to food both during the school day and at home.

The Backpack Program addresses weekend hunger by providing students with bags of shelf-stable, easy-to-prepare food to take home each week. These bags are discreetly distributed through schools and are designed to bridge the gap when school meals are unavailable. Each bag contains a balanced selection of items, including proteins, grains, fruits, and snacks, ensuring children have enough to eat over the weekend.

Complementing this effort, our In-School Pantry Program places fully stocked food pantries directly inside schools, eliminating barriers such as transportation, stigma, and limited access to traditional food assistance. These pantries offer a wider variety of food, including fresh and frozen items when available, and are accessible to older students and their families throughout the week. School staff play a critical role in identifying needs and ensuring food is distributed with dignity and care.

Together, these programs create a comprehensive, school-based hunger relief system that supports students every day of the week. By meeting children where they are, we reduce food insecurity, improve attendance and focus in the classroom, and strengthen connections between schools and families. This integrated approach allows us to serve tens of thousands of students weekly while building a scalable, sustainable model that can be replicated across communities.

Total Project Budget: $1,367,402

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): We have commitments from UPMC, The Taylor Family Foundation, PS Bank, The Hawk Family Foundation, The Sheldon Family Foundation in the amount of $342,000. We continually submit grants to grow our sources of income.

Project Duration: ongoing
Geographical Area Served: 16 counties in Northern and Central Pennsylvania
Age Group To Be Served: 5-18

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs
Contact First Name: Dani
Contact Last Name: Ruhf
Contact Title: CEO/Founder
Contact Phone: 5704999665
Contact Email: dani@chopouthunger.org