The Fieldstone Foundation is proud to announce that NBT Bank has once again stepped forward as an Enhanced Sponsor of Meals with Meaning, generously donating $5,000 in support of the Backpack Program, a vital initiative dedicated to combating childhood hunger in the North Country.
Since 2012, the Backpack Program has discreetly provided nutritious weekend meals to food-insecure children, ensuring they have access to essential nourishment when school meals are unavailable. During the 2023–24 school year, the program delivered over 56,000 meals to 454 children across seven North Country schools. While the number of children served naturally fluctuates throughout the school year, the program is currently supporting 440 children this year, continuing its vital mission to ensure that no child goes hungry.
Heather Couture, Vice President – Senior Commercial Relationship Manager at NBT Bank, has been a longstanding advocate and volunteer for the Backpack Program. She and her team have actively participated in food-packing sessions, reinforcing NBT Bank’s dedication to both financial and hands-on community support.
“NBT Bank is proud to support the Backpack Program once again,” said Ms. Couture. “Ensuring that children have access to nutritious food on the weekends is critical. The program makes a direct impact on families in our community, and we are honored to contribute through both sponsorship and volunteerism.”
In addition to this generous donation, NBT Bank has made it even easier for the community to get involved. A donation bin is available year-round in the lobby of their Malone branch, located at 3392 U.S. Route 11, Malone, NY 12953, where community members can make monetary donations to support the Backpack Program.
“The tremendous support NBT Bank provides, both financially and through employee engagement, is invaluable,” said Amanda Tagliarino, Senior Director of the Fieldstone Foundation. “Their commitment to tackling food insecurity has made a profound impact on children and families throughout our region. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier North Country.”
The Meals with Meaning event unites local businesses, restaurants and community members in a collective effort to fight food insecurity. With the continued support of NBT Bank and other dedicated partners, the Fieldstone Foundation can expand its impact and ensure no child goes hungry.
For more information or to learn how you can help, please contact Amanda Tagliarino at amandatagliarino@citizenadvocates.net. If you wish to donate to support the Backpack Program, a donation of any amount is always gratefully accepted and may be mailed to Fieldstone Foundation, P.O. Box 608, Malone, NY 12953.