ECU Health gives $4K to pantry's Weekend Meals for Kids

Children in the Edenton-Chowan Schools will continue to receive nutritious meals on weekends thanks to the ECU Health Hospital Development Council.

The council, which raises funds and channels them toward health-related projects, awarded $4,000 to the Edenton-Chowan Pantry’s Weekend Meals for Kids Program on June 12.

ECU Health has supported the Weekend Meals for Kids Program since it began in 2012.

“The Weekend Meals for Kids Program has been a vital resource for Edenton-Chowan Public Schools, ensuring that children receive the nutrition they need when school is not in session,” ECU Health said in a statement. “This year’s donation from ECU Health Chowan Hospital reaffirms our commitment to the well-being of our community children.”

Food pantry officials said support from the nonprofit has been essential to the program’s success.

“Quite simply, we couldn’t operate this program without their support,” said Amanda Powell, vice president of the food pantry’s board of directors. “ECU Health recognizes the importance in assisting us in making sure that the children in our community are supported through this program and speaks to the care that they have for our local community. Although the need in our community is great, our strength is that by working together we can serve the community we love together.”

The Food Pantry said the program provides essential nutrition as well as peace of mind to families who may struggle to put food on the table over the weekends.

“By addressing insecurity in our community, we are taking a crucial step toward ensuring that all children in Chowan County can thrive,” Howell said.