What started as an idea for a small food pantry for families needing assistance with food while spending time with their babies in the NICU turned into a project funded by donations to turn the NICU waiting room into a family nourishment center.
A $1,000 grant from the Little Giraffe Foundation started a food pantry for NICU families in a closet space. During a fundraising event at a local organization the CEO of South Plains Food Bank expressed interest in visiting the new pantry and offer support. During the visit the team offered to fund a project to increase the impact of the food pantry. The vision was a space for families to rest, eat, and rejuvenate. The planning began for the construction of the Covenant Children’s Hospital: Family Nourishment Center.
The project would consist of a large table for families to come together and share a meal. Ready to eat meals, fresh and frozen would be provided daily by the South Plains Food Bank Kitchen of Home. In an effort to battle food insecurity often faced by families who sometimes have to spend long periods of time in the NICU, the food bank would restock the family’s home once their baby is ready to be discharged.
Construction of this project began in November 2023 and the grand opening of the space was February 27, 2024. Thank you to all of those in RESO, Providence, and local organizations that made this project a reality.