WHERE DO MY DONATIONS GO?
The vast majority of funds are used to purchase the food that will be sent home with the kids. Other expenses include things such as totes to transport the food, printed brochures to explain and promote the program, and various office supplies such as bookkeeping materials.
Why is there a need for this program when there are other seemingly overlapping programs such as the National School Lunch Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?
Despite the efforts of these programs, there is still a gap between need and available services. Marshall Food4Kids helps hungry children at times when other resources are not available, such as weekends and school vacations. Teachers have found that Monday mornings can be especially hard for children to concentrate because they are hungry from the weekend.
How much does your staff get paid?
We are a 100% volunteer organization; we have virtually no administrative costs. Our volunteers include the people who research and purchase the food, the people who prepare and package the food and the people who deliver the food to the schools. The creation and hosting of the website and design of the Marshall Food4Kids materials (such as the logo and brochure) were donated by local web developers and graphic designers.
Do you know who is specifically getting the food?
The Marshall Food4Kids organization does not directly know who receives the food. The school tells us how many have requested to be in the program and we deliver that many bags of food to the school. Teachers then distribute the bags to the students.
Who is handling your financials?
The Marshall Food4Kids organization has a contract with a local individual who has the education, experience, and expertise to manage the finances, with the Board of Directors' oversight.
Are donations tax deductible?
Yes, donations to the program are tax deductible. Marshall Food4Kids is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
How Do you identify students who qualify for this program
Answer to question 6