FLORENCE, Kentucky – With back-to-school in full swing, it’s more important than ever to make sure families have enough to eat. In Northern Kentucky, GO Pantry is stepping up to the plate, working tirelessly to ensure no child goes hungry with its GO Bag program.
This is one of the busiest times of the year for GO Pantry and the company is seeing an increase in the number of families in need.
Providing nutritious meals to these children would not be possible without the help of volunteers like Lyn Zurborg. She has been volunteering for about three years and says it all started when a friend recommended the work to her.
“A friend had volunteered. And so we just had the time and thought, what a great opportunity. And the more we learned about it and after we came here a few times, it just got stronger,” she said.
Giving back has now become part of her monthly ritual, especially with the children of Northern Kentucky in mind.
Zurborg said, “You just forget what they might be facing. You don’t really think about it. You think everyone has access to things. And you know, that really made me realize how many people are in need.”
According to No Kid Hungry data, when children experience regular hunger, their learning outcomes suffer and all physical and mental functions can be negatively affected.
Laura Dumancic, co-founder of Go Pantry, says she has seen firsthand how the food they provide transforms a child.
“Not only does it give them something to eat to get through those few days without school, but it also gives them a sense of security. It gives them hope. It makes them feel more loved. And that’s why they’re more successful in school,” Dumancic said.
They have been committed to this cause for 12 years, relying on the help of volunteers and partners to package and deliver thousands of meals to school children who depend on school meals throughout the school year.
Zuborg says this knowledge makes all the difference.
“This will be put out there and it will help the children immediately. We are really happy about it. It is an immediate reward for the volunteer work,” she said.
