When a Town Rallies Around Its Kids: $40K Gift Powers Summer Meal Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public School District fights rising poverty with food, fun, and a fierce sense of community

Topton, PA - June 25, 2025 - In a small rural community, where poverty rates have more than doubled over the past decade, one school district is stepping in with heart and purpose.
Each week this summer, the "Feeding Futures - Summer Meal Program," recipient of the 2025 PASBO School Operations Award, is making sure students within Brandywine Heights School District borders don't go hungry when school's out. The mission is simple but powerful: feed kids, lift spirits, and bring the community together-one meal at a time.

In the first week alone, the program served 1,910 free meals to local children. No money or barriers. Just kindness, connection, and care from a district that refuses to let a need go unnoticed.
But this story doesn't stop at the food line.

At each pick-up, families are met with more than meals. Kids leave with summer activity kits, sidewalk chalk, rock painting, and creative projects that connect them back to their community. At kickoff, students made colorful cards to be delivered to residents at the Topton Community Home, turning a moment of need into a moment of giving.

And none of it would be possible without the quiet heroes behind the scenes: Friends of Brandywine.

When original grant funding for the program ran out, this local nonprofit rallied and raised $40,000 to keep it going. Their support didn't just fill a budget gap-its keeping children fed, parents supported, and a community connected.

"This is Brandywine Heights at its best," said Gina Oberto-Weller, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent & Communications Coordinator. "When the need grew, the district stood up. When the funding disappeared, Friends of Brandywine stepped in. And now, our kids are turning around and giving back-whether it's through handmade cards, bright sidewalk drawings, or just showing up with a smile. That's the kind of place this is. It's small, but it's mighty. And it's full of heart."

Each and every bag is carefully packed with intention and fueled by a belief that every child deserves to feel full, seen, and supported.

Media outlets are invited to visit any Thursday* this summer from 12-3 at Brandywine Heights Intermediate/Middle School (200 W. Weis Street, Topton, PA). Come see the love in motion-hear the laughter, meet the families, and witness what happens when a small town puts its arms around its kids. *Due to the July 4th holiday, pick-up that week will be on July 2nd.
Because at Brandywine Heights, feeding the future isn't just a program. It's a promise.

Media Contact:
Gina Oberto-Weller
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent & Communications Coordinator
Brandywine Heights Area School District
(610) 682-5100 ext. 1101
ginobe@bhasd.org

Gina Oberto-Weller
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent & Communications Coordinator
Brandywine Heights Area School District
(610) 682-5100 ext. 1101
ginobe@bhasd.org

Brandywine Heights Area School District is a quality public school district serving nearly 1300 students in Berks County, PA.

This release was published on openPR.