Frequently Asked Questions
What is Seymour Food 2 Kids?
We are a Seymour-based, youth-led 501(c)(3) that is dedicated to empower youth to fight hunger in our community. We provide weekend food bags and maintain snack closets in local schools. We are proud to currently support all Seymour Schools as well as one elementary school in Oxford.
How many kids do you help?
We currently provide weekly food bags to 70 children. We also stock the snack cabinet at each school.
What schools do you serve?
We are proud to serve all Seymour schools and one school in Oxford.
How do the kids get the food bags?
Each week, a dedicated Food Ambassador delivers the bags to the schools. From there, school staff discreetly distribute them to the children.
Which children receive food bags?
The schools confidentially identify children who would benefit from the program. Families’ privacy is always protected.
What goes in a food bag?
Each bag is filled with easy-to-prepare, kid-friendly, and nutritious foods—like oatmeal, mac and cheese, granola bars, and snacks—providing children with meals to get them through the weekend when school breakfasts and lunches aren’t available.
Do you provide any other food support in schools?
Yes! In addition to weekend food bags, we stock snack closets in every Seymour school and one elementary school in Oxford. These are small pantries of healthy snacks that teachers can access when any student needs something to eat during the school day.
How much does it cost to provide 1 food bag?
On average, it costs about $8 per week per child to fill a bag.
How is the program funded?
We rely entirely on donations, grants, and community support to keep the program running. Every gift makes a direct impact.
How can I donate?
Donations can be made online through our website (paypal or venmo) or by check. You can also shop our Amazon Wish List!
Can I volunteer?
Yes! Volunteers help with tasks like bagging food, deliveries, and community outreach. Our bagging events are held about every 6 weeks during the school year and are a very family-friendly way to give back.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. Seymour Food 2 Kids is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so your donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
How can a family sign up to receive bags?
Families do not sign up directly with us. Reach out to your childs school, as they help to identify students confidentially to ensure the process is private and respectful.
Can I sponsor a child for the school year?
Absolutely! A gift of about $320 provides weekend food bags for one child for the entire school year.
Do you run the program during the summer?
Currently, we focus on the school year, but we so partner with the Seymour/Oxford Food Bank to provide food to the community during the summer.
How do you ensure kids’ privacy?
All referrals and distributions are handled by the schools. No child is singled out, and the process is completely confidential.
Can businesses or groups get involved?
Yes! Local businesses, churches, and community groups often support us through donations, food bag drives, or volunteer days.
Where are you located?
We are a volunteer-run program based in Seymour, Connecticut.
How do you measure your impact?
Our impact is seen in the smiles of kids, improved focus at school, and peace of mind for families. We also track the number of children served each week, lbs of food donated, # of food bags delivered, and snack closet deliveries.
Did you know?
In 2020, the ALICE report showed that 39% of Seymour residents were struggling to cover their basic needs. On top of that, in the 2023–2024 school year, families who do not qualify for free or reduced lunch had to resume paying for school meals after several years without that cost—about $16 a week, or $630 a year, per child. For families already under financial strain, that’s a heavy burden.
According to Connecticut Foodshare, in 2021 380,310 people in Connecticut (1 in 10) were food insecure, including 83,530 children (1 in 9). Food insecurity means not having consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Even where assistance programs exist, 48% of food-insecure households do not qualify for them.
