Through the Food for the Mind, Food for the Body initiative, C&S Wholesale Grocers and First Book have partnered with Feeding America, United Way of Orange County, United Way of San Joaquin, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and the Second Harvest Food Bank of San Joaquin & Stanislaus Counties to provide more than 20,000 new books, along with healthy food to children in these communities. Beginning this spring, the new books are being distributed through Feeding America’s Back Pack program and the USDA’s Summer Food program. Each child who receives a backpack full of healthy snacks will also receive a new book of his or her own.
“By partnering with C&S Wholesale Grocers, First Book can reach thousands of children and inspire them to develop a lifelong love of reading,” said First Book President and CEO, Kyle Zimmer. “Together we are able to spark students’ imaginations by providing them with their very own books to take home and enjoy.”
There is a tremendous need for books in both Newburgh and Stockton where more than 24% of children live below the poverty line. Recent studies highlight the need to significantly increase the availability of books in low-income neighborhoods. According to the Handbook of Early Literacy Research, while there is an average of 13 books for every child in middle-income neighborhoods, there is only one book for every 300 children in low-income neighborhoods. First Book’s nationwide system of book distribution gives unprecedented access to programs serving children in low-income households, making book ownership a reality rather than a luxury.
Gina Goff, Director of Community Involvement for C&S Wholesale Grocers, said, “Through our partnership with First Book, we are delighted to help make a positive impact on so many students in the Newburgh and Stockton communities. We found an opportunity with First Book to build upon our delivery of healthy snacks with a nourishing donation of new books.”
Giving back is a core value of C&S Wholesale Grocers’ employees. Through community-focused initiatives, volunteer programs and targeted employee giving, C&S Wholesale Grocers aims to create and inspire positive change in its communities.
About First Book
First Book provides new books to children in need, addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy— access to books. An innovative leader in social enterprise, First Book has distributed more than 70 million free and low-cost books in thousands of communities. First Book now has offices in the U.S. and Canada. For more information about the nonprofit First Book please visit www.firstbook.org.
About C&S Wholesale Grocers
C&S Wholesale Grocers of Keene, NH is the largest food wholesaler and according to Forbes magazine, the 12th largest privately held company in the United States. The company distributes food to supermarkets, retail stores and military bases across the country.
Currently, C&S serves about 3,900 stores from more than 50 locations in 11 states. Among our customers are many of America's best known companies, including Stop & Shop, Giant of Carlisle, Giant of Landover, Shaw's, Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. (A&P), Ralphs, Safeway and Target.
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About C&S Wholesale Grocers
C&S Wholesale Grocers of Keene, NH is the largest food wholesaler and according to Forbes magazine, the 12th largest privately held company in the United States. The company distributes food to supermarkets, retail stores and military bases across the country.
Currently, C&S serves about 3,900 stores from more than 50 locations in 11 states. Among our customers are many of America's best known companies, including Stop & Shop, Giant of Carlisle, Giant of Landover, Shaw's, Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. (A&P), Ralphs, Safeway and Target.
