Pine Grove Manor School Principal Making a Difference in Central Jersey
It’s another Magic Monday with Franklin Food Bank. This month, we were joined in studio by someone who is a close friend of the Franklin Food Bank, the Principal of Pine Grove Manor Elementary School in Somerset, Genesi Miles.
Pine Grove Manor Principal Miles Interview
Check out our conversation with Ms. Miles here…
Ms. Miles took over as Principal of Pine Grove Manor in 2022 and has been doing an amazing job in the district. Together the Franklin Food Bank and Pine Grove Manor have established a special relationship.
In FFB’s continued effort to break the stigma of needing help with groceries, they have been very creative about their programming.
Last year with Pine Grove Manor they ran a STEM kit and food package drive-thru distribution and giveaway along with a science experiment workshop and assembly that was very successful.
They’ve also given presentations about the food bank during assembly, participated in Read Across America, and parent engagement events have established a great partnership with Pine Grove Manor Elementary.
This week, in addition to joining us to promote their Community Distribution Program, they’re looking to spread the word about the New Jersey Summer EBT. It’s a child nutrition program intended to reduce hunger and food insecurity for children during the summer when school is not in session.
New Legislation for Families in Need
Recently, new legislation has allowed for funding to go to local families eligible for free and reduced lunch programming. The NJ Summer EBT toolkit for flyers, information, and more is at Hunger Free NJ. Families are eligible for $120 in EBT money to spend over the summer when children who participate in free and reduced lunch programs miss up to two meals per day at home while on break. Together they are committed to creating as much outreach and awareness as possible around this wonderful opportunity.
This year the Franklin Food Bank intends to continue deepening their relationships with local schools. There are ten elementary schools in Franklin Township alone and we are all looking forward to a great year.
The first Wednesday of every month, including May 1st is the FFB’s community distribution. This month it takes place at the First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens at 771 Somerset Street in Somerset, New Jersey.
For those who have participated in the past, FFB is no longer holding their drive-thru at the Community Relations Bureau building. The demand has grown and it’s gotten too large creating traffic on Hamilton Avenue. There will be signs posted at the CRB with directions to First Baptist Church, which is right around the corner. It’s just a two-minute drive and a ten-minute walk from the old location.
Go to FranklinFoodBank.org to learn more.