ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The annual Leader of the Pack fundraiser and community effort returned to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier Thursday afternoon. Corning Incorporated took on the challenge and mission to fulfill food backpacks for local kids who are food insecure.

"We have 10 teams behind us that are volunteering to pack 7, 200 backpacks for children in need throughout our 41 districts in the community," says Maria Strinni Communications Director at Corning Inc.

In 2023, New York State said 39,000 children qualify for free or reduced meals at school. These meals are not guaranteed to be nutritious. Ten teams from Corning Incorporated have spent weeks fundraising money, so they can pack food bags for children at risk. Specifically, children who are at risk for hunger on the weekends and during school breaks.  

"Teams have been fundraising amongst their friends and family and colleagues getting ready to not only invest in the team. Also in terms of the treasure in making today a success and to raise as much as we can for as many kids as we can," says Strinni. 

School Food Center Facts according to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier:

  • 11 new School Food Centers making a total of 20 total 
  • Food requests have increased by 354 percent since 2022
  • 350,000 pounds distributed in 2023, a 175 percent increase

"These folks are helping us throughout our community, we have {a} tremendous need," said Bordeau, adding, "Last year was a record-breaking year as far as the distribution of pounds. We did 16.1 million pounds of food last year. This year already, we're up 35 percent over last year one in five children in the Southern Tier are food insecure."

Leader of the pack began in 2019 and changed to a semi-virtual event during the COVID-19 pandemic. The timed event returned in September 2022 to in-person. 

Children's Programs Facts according to the Food Bank of the Southern Tier:

  • 34 schools participated in the School Snack Program
  • 24 Kids' Farmer Market sites that distributed 210,000 pounds of produce, a 28% increase from 2022
  • 123,000 requests for food through all children's programs

If you're interested in volunteering, donating, or supporting the Food Bank of the Southern Tier click here to learn more.