Feeding Imagination
A Nash Finch Company Educational Program
What is Feeding Imagination?
Feeding Imagination is an educational program created by Minneapolis-based Nash Finch Company and is administered by its charitable giving arm, the NFC Foundation. The program was launched in December of 2006 at the Minnesota Children's Museum and provides reading books to children in grades K-6, especially in areas with a high degree of poverty and need.
Literacy Facts
A study (included in the Handbook of Early Literacy Research, Vol. 2 edited by Susan Neuman and David Dickinson) shows that while in middle income neighborhoods the ratio of books per child is 13 to 1, in low-income neighborhoods, the ratio is 1 age-appropriate book for every 300 children.
According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, reading skills among middle school students have remained virtually unchanged for 15 years, improving by only two points between 1992 and 2005.
The National Center for Education Statistics' evaluation of No Child Left Behind reading proficiency scores in 2005 found that:
• 36% of all 4th graders scored in the "Below Basic" proficiency level
• 54% of 4th graders eligible for school lunch program scored in the "Below Basic" proficiency level.
Who Does the Feeding Imagination Program Support?
The Feeding Imagination program is especially geared towards serving children who have limited access to reading books, either at home or at school. Nash Finch works with various nonprofit organizations and schools in the community to reach these children, primarily those in grades K-6. As of September 2008, more than 43,000 books have been donated.
How Can I Help?
Donate books - Gently used or new books are always needed. Books can be sent or delivered to the Feeding Imagination Program at the Nash Finch Corporate Office at 7600 France Avenue South, Edina, Minnesota 55435.
Provide financial support - Any financial contributions provided will be used to provide books to appropriate organizations or children. Checks need to be written out to the NFC Foundation and include "Feeding Imagination" on the memo line of the check. The NFC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
How Can an Organization Apply for Assistance?
Mail requests for assistance to Feeding Imagination Program, Nash Finch Company, 7600 France Avenue South, Edina, Minnesota 55435. Requests will be reviewed and organizations selected to receive books will be notified. Please include details about the children your organization serves and how the books will be used once donated.
Who Can I Contact for More Information?
Brian Numainville,
Chair - NFC Foundation
Nash Finch Company
7600 France Avenue South
Edina, Minnesota 55435
952-844-1201
eMail: NFCFoundation@NashFinch.com
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