Navient Foundation supports Commission on Economic Opportunity to provide meals for at-risk children

WILKES-BARRE, Pa., June 26, 2017 -- Children who are unable to access healthy meals during the summer months, afterschool and weekends will continue to receive the support they need, thanks to the Commission on Economic Opportunity, a multi-service nonprofit that provides emergency food assistance to thousands of children in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region.

CEO promotes self-sufficiency among low-income and vulnerable populations by confronting the causes and reducing the effects of poverty through its initiatives. Navient Foundation, the company-sponsored philanthropic fund, contributed $5,000 to assist the organization’s multiple food programs, including Food 4 Kids Summer, Afterschool and Weekends.

“We are so grateful for donors like Navient Foundation,” said Gretchen Hunt, director, CEO. “The work of the Food Bank could not be accomplished without this support. Struggling families receive healthy food like fresh milk and fruit and vegetables to feed their children because of this support.”

Many children who receive breakfast and lunch during the school year do not receive the same nutritional support over the summer, according to CEO.

Food 4 Kids Summer, an emergency food assistance initiative, addresses this issue. It is designed especially for children who are unable to access non-perishable food for themselves and their siblings during the summer months. The program provides approximately 85,000 meals in total and provides lunches to more than 2,400 children in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties that are donated through the organization’s Weinberg Food Bank.

During the school year, CEO also provides nutritious meals for afterschool students through the Food 4 Kids Afterschool program to support those who would otherwise go without an evening meal. CEO provides staff expertise in nutrition, education and youth development along with wholesome food to those in need.

Food 4 Kids Weekends provides students access to non-perishable food for themselves and for siblings during weekends or holiday vacations. The food is placed in the student’s backpack to carry home, removing the stigma a child may experience with carrying groceries.

“We are so grateful to have a tremendous organization like CEO in our community,” said Lisa Stashik, vice president, Navient. “Through their efforts, the uncertainty that may come from not being able to find a healthy meal is eased. We are honored to provide support to their mission.”

Incorporated in 1966 as a community action agency to alleviate poverty, the organization now operates more than 20 programs, with staff exceeding 150 employees.

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About Navient
Navient (Nasdaq: NAVI) is a leading provider of asset management and business processing solutions for education, healthcare, and government clients at the federal, state, and local levels. We help our clients and millions of Americans achieve financial success through our services and support. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, Navient employs team members in Western New York, Northeastern Pennsylvania, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and other locations. Learn more at navient.com.

Contact:
Media: Nick LaMastra, 302-283-2964, [email protected]