Sanford Regional Technical Center Director Matt Petermann was named the 2024 Friend of the Sanford Backpack Program at the annual Chocolate Benefit Spectacular on May 18th.
The Sanford Backpack Program provides bags of non-perishable foods to hundreds of local students each weekend during the school year when they don't have access to free or reduced-price meals.
It's a vital community resource addressing childhood hunger and food insecurity.
The Chocolate Benefit Spectacular raised $34,000 this year to provide backpacks of food to youth facing food insecurity in the Sanford area.
It's a critical funding source for the all-volunteer Backpack Program which has served the community for eight years.
In presenting the award, Lori Williams of the Backpack Program praised Petermann for being "a huge cheerleader and supporter" who goes above and beyond.
When the program needed storage space for a large food donation to get through the end of the school year, Petermann immediately said "We'll make it work" and "We've got this."
His leadership was also instrumental in securing space for the new Spart Mart at Sanford High School – a free student shopping pantry that Williams envisioned.
"When I shared my vision...he said 'Let's do it!'" Williams said.
Petermann has championed the Backpack Program. He continuously advocates for the program's importance.