News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
A new non-profit organization wants to help underprivileged youth in Van Buren County by providing meals and opportunities that otherwise would not be available.
Newleaf President Jordyn Tamez said the non-profit started after organizers learned that 20 percent of school-aged children in Spencer live under the poverty line. Tamez said living under the poverty line could lead to a lack of access to essential resources, nutritious food, and educational opportunities.
“We wanted to really fill that gap,” Tamez said. “And by doing so we want to offer food for local pantries as mentioned creating programs that promote outdoor experiences, wellness, and education. I think you know, it’s definitely needed we are really hopeful that it has the potential to make a long and lasting impact.”
Co-Founder Michael Tamez said they hope to help the youth with a food pantry, but also provide healthy meals to those in need. The non-profit has a farm that will be used in the future for events like youth farming and nutrition workshops.
“There are a ton of groups and organizations already doing good work in Spencer,” Micahel Tamez said. “We are just simply here to assist them or to help more. They have the food pantry set up around Van Buren County but it’s all canned goods. Up until a month ago, they did not have a way of storing any type of perishable items. It was always canned goods and nonperishable items that they were getting which don’t always have the best nutrients.”
Michael and Jordyn Tamez moved to the Van Buren County area from New Jersey this past April. Jordyn Tamez said as a family they are community first.
“We are big on community,” Jordyn Tamez said. “We really wanted to find our home base, somewhere we could grow and flourish with our family and we felt like this community was the perfect opportunity to do that. Getting to know them and understanding what is maybe needed. Just helping in any way we can to give back is important to us.”
Michael and Jordyn Tamez said they are both excited to see where the non-profit goes with helping the community.
