BankNewport Charitable Foundation Supports Good Neighbors' Food for Kids Program

Grant helped provide nutritious, kid-friendly food to children during the summer months

The BankNewport Charitable Foundation awarded a $3,000 grant to Good Neighbors to support its Food for Kids seasonal initiative, which helps children maintain consistent access to nutritious, kid-friendly food during the summer months when school-based meal programs are unavailable.

The grant helped Good Neighbors purchase food for a dedicated kids' shelf within its pantry, including whole-grain cereals, shelf-stable milk, fruit cups, nut-free snacks, pasta, kid-friendly proteins and peanut butter alternatives. The program supplements the groceries families already receive through the pantry and gives children an opportunity to choose foods they are excited to eat.

"For families who rely on school meals during the academic year, summer can create an immediate gap in both nutrition and household budgets," said Jack Murphy, President and CEO, BankNewport. "Good Neighbors addressed that need in a thoughtful way by providing nutritious food while preserving choice and dignity for children and their families."

In 2025, Good Neighbors' Food for Kids shelves were accessed 763 times by 400 families and directly provided food to 1,525 school-aged children. Each visit supplied approximately two weeks of breakfasts and lunches for participating children. By integrating child-focused foods into regular pantry distributions, the program also helps families avoid transportation and scheduling barriers that can make community-based summer meal sites difficult to access.

"Food for Kids is about making sure children have reliable access to food throughout the summer while creating an experience that feels welcoming and empowering," said Kate Mushipi, Executive Director, Good Neighbors.

Food for Kids is part of Good Neighbors' broader, year-round approach to addressing food insecurity. The organization combines individual donations, corporate and foundation support, community partnerships and food bank resources to maintain pantry access and maximize the impact of each dollar spent on food. Good Neighbors also contributes organizational funds annually to sustain the summer program as demand continues to grow.