ADM Donates to Blessings in a Backpack

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Published on July 29 2015 10:16 am
Last Updated on July 29 2015 10:18 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Archer Daniels Midland’s community grant program, ADM Cares, recently donated $1,600 to Blessings in a Backpack- Effingham IL. 100% of the donation will be used to purchase food for area students. 

“Support from business partnerships and community groups is crucial to the success of our program,” said Amanda Emmerich, Marketing Director of Effingham’s chapter. She continued, “This generous donation from the ADM Cares program highlights the spirit of giving in our communities, and will be used for our grocery purchases. Teachers report students receiving benefits from this program are more attentive on Mondays than they had been in the past. We’ve heard countless stories from teachers, school counselors, bus drivers, families and students themselves about the positive impact of the program. With the support we have received, last year we were able to expand the program to include our junior high. When a child is fed, and surrounded by a caring community, we truly believe they’ll change the world.”   

Blessings in a Backpack- Effingham IL is comprised of a group of local citizens, parents and teachers, business partners and faith-based groups. Their mission is to alleviate childhood hunger in the local community. It’s estimated that nearly 600 students in the Unit 40 school district qualify for free or reduced-cost lunches. The local chapter began in 2013, serving approximately 130 students, and has steadily grown, finishing the 2014-15 school year with more than 330 students served. Martin’s IGA delivers food to Total Quality Warehouse, where the food is stored and packaged by volunteers. Area businesses pick up the food totes for delivery to schools, and teachers add the bags to student’s backpacks during a recess or planning period. Blessings in a Backpack is a 501(c)3 organization. For more information, visit their Facebook page, at Blessings in a Backpack- Effingham IL, or email  effinghambackpack@gmail.com.

The donation was given through ADM Cares. ADM Cares is a social investment program that directs funds to initiatives and organizations that drive meaningful social, economic and environmental progress worldwide. The program comprises three distinct focus areas: supporting the responsible development of agriculture, improving the quality of life in ADM communities and fostering employee giving and volunteer activities.