Feed & Read (FAR) Program

In the City of Albany, 33% of Albany’s children face food insecurity on the weekends. School-based nutrition programs fill the need during the week; however, on Saturday and Sunday meals are sparse for many of Albany’s children. A lack of food results in increased absenteeism, a failure to focus, and behavioral issues. Families already struggling to make ends meet face an additional financial burden on weekends.

Together, we can make sure families don’t have to worry about how they will eat during the weekends. Over 302 school-aged children in Albany City Schools receive food and books from HATAS’ Feed & Read (FAR) Program every Friday during the school year to help sustain their families. Schools and parents report a demonstrated reduction in absenteeism, enhanced excitement for reading, and the ability to stretch household budgets, alleviating burdens to families.

Food packs include…

  • Breakfast items, such as oatmeal, cereal, graham crackers.

  • Entrees, such as peanut butter and jelly, soup, tuna fish, beef ravioli, spaghetti sauce, mac and cheese.

  • Fresh fruit, bread, and snacks.

  • Milk Card good for a Gallon of Milk and a Dozen Eggs (every other week).

  • In partnership with Grassroots Givers, one age-appropriate book that encourages a love of reading.

Program Investors

Review Foundation • John D Picotte Foundation • Seymour Fox Foundation • Creative Materials Corporation •
St. Peter’s Health Partners • Market 32 • Albany Fund for Education • J.M. McDonald Foundation • Berkshire Bank Foundation • Strategic Financial Services • NYSTEC • M&T Charitable Foundation