$4,000 #GivingTuesday Challenge

The recent government shutdown and withholding of SNAP benefits has brought food insecurity into the public eye. In Massachusetts, over 330,000 kids and teens rely on supplemental nutrition assistance, including 40% of Southern Berkshire and Berkshire Hills students and over 65% of youth in Pittsfield.

At Flying Cloud, we see the impact of this every day. That’s why every child in our afterschool programs receives a healthy snack — no questions asked. After a long school day, they are welcomed with hands-on science, art, and nourishment that helps them learn, explore, and feel cared for. Fresh apples and pears, pumpkin seeds, pretzels, granola bars, dried fruits… these simple foods make a real difference. As the School Nutrition Association puts it, "meals are as critical to learning as textbooks and teachers."

Thanks to the Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership (MAP), we can now dedicate $4,000 of grant funding specifically for healthy snacks in our Girls Science Clubs, MakerSpaces, and S•M•Art Labs. Even better, we’re sourcing that food locally through Marty’s Local and Berkshire Grown, supporting area farmers while feeding young scientists.

This #GivingTuesday, we're asking our community to help us match that $4,000 investment.

When a child is hungry, it’s hard to focus, create, or learn — and your gift helps change that. You’ll put more science and art programs into the world and ensure that every child leaves with a full stomach and a full heart. You can fuel curiosity, creativity, and nourishment all at once. Any amount, from $20 to $2,000, makes a meaningful difference.

You make this care possible. Thank you for feeding healthy minds and healthy bodies. Please give today.