What schools does BFHNIN serve?
Ballantyne, Elon Park, Endhaven, Hawk Ridge & Polo Ridge Elementary Schools, Rea Farms K-8 Steam Academy, Community House & JM Robinson Middle Schools and Ardrey Kell High School. Beginning in Fall 2024, we will include Knights View Elementary and Ballantyne Ridge High School (pantry only).
How are families identified for food assistance?
Each school counselor identifies families at their school who need assistance. Family names are known only by the school counselor.
How often does BFHNIN give?
We have 4 main giving periods: Thanksgiving, Winter Holidays, Spring Break and Summer. The food pantry operates weekly during the school year for families that need assistance in between the 4 main giving periods.
What do families receive at each giving period?
For Thanksgiving and Winter Holidays, we provide a holiday meal(s) for elementary and middle school families along with a $50 grocery gift card to purchase perishables, and high school families receive a $150 grocery gift card. For Spring Break, families can opt in for a bag of food and receive a grocery gift card based on their family size. For Summer, families receive a grocery gift card based on their family size to cover the summer months. All families receive an encouraging note that is made by members of our community as well as a resource page that shares other ways to receive help from the community.
What if a family needs assistance outside of the 4 main giving times?
BFHNIN established a food pantry in February 2022. The pantry is fully stocked and is available weekly during the school year to families in need. Families should reach out to their school counselor, who will in turn fill out a form to select food preferences. Volunteers deliver food once a week to the counselor who made the request.
Who are we helping?
Families who attend or work in one of the 11 public schools in the Ballantyne area. These families face temporary challenges. For example, job loss, unexpected illness/accident, and unstable housing.
Why do Ballanytne families need help?
20% (over 2000 students) of the students from the schools that we serve are eligible for free or reduced lunch. For example, a family of 4 who has a yearly income of less than $39,000 can receive free lunch. If a family of 4 has an annual income of less than $55,500, then they are eligible for reduced lunch.