BCHS Students Raise $2,000 for Regional Food Banks

Students for Peace and Survival at Bethlehem Central High School raised $2,000 through an Empty Bowls soup fundraiser and donated $1,000 each to the Regional Food Bank and Capital Roots.

Representatives from both organizations visited the school on April 22 to accept the funds. Brian Wolters, vice president of development for the Regional Food Bank, and Jessica Trowbridge, chief operating officer of Capital Roots, spoke with SPAS officers about their work addressing hunger across the Capital Region.

The Regional Food Bank distributes tens of millions of pounds of food annually across 23 counties through schools, pantries, weekend backpack programs, and summer meal distributions. Capital Roots increases access to fresh produce through community gardens, mobile markets, and partnerships with schools and stores.

Demand for food assistance has climbed since the pandemic, Wolters said, citing inflation, cuts to SNAP benefits, and rising living costs. "We serve 23 counties in urban, rural, and suburban communities," he said. "We want to make sure we're providing food with dignity."

Inflation has reduced both organizations' purchasing power. Wolters noted that a $1 donation once provided four meals; that ratio has shifted. "But you can't afford to not feed people, so we keep finding new ways to get the job done," he said.

SPAS officers present included President Lilly Kahn, Vice President Beatrice Nester, Treasurer Bhavya Kakarala, Secretary Keiran McNay, and Social Media Coordinator Willa Lemov. Advisors Jess Weimer and Preya Krishna-Kennedy attended.