Blooming Boutique and Zwaanendael Women's Club seek food donations for Cape students in need

The GFWC Zwaanendael Women's Club and Micha Seto, owner of the Blooming Boutique stores, are teaming up to restock the Cape Henlopen High School food bank. To help fill collection boxes, anyone can stop in to donate items at all Seto's Lewes store locations and receive a discount on any purchase.

During the month of February, patrons will receive 20 percent off of any regularly priced item for every two food items donated. This offer is available at these Lewes stores: Blooming Boutique, Blooming Boutique Accessories, Treasures, Lewes Wear and Lewes Gifts. Some exclusions may apply.

Some of the items needed are as follows: canned protein (tuna, chicken, fish), canned fruits and vegetables, small jars of peanut butter and jelly, non-sugary cereals (oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, Rice Chex), Hamburger Helper, canned soups, canned chili or beef stew, pasta sauce (no glass jars) and containers of rice, pasta or instant potatoes.

Approximately 40 percent of Cape students are currently enrolled in the school's free and reduced-cost lunch program. The food bank is made available to in-need students and their families who need help supplementing their basic food needs.

Food drive coordinator Kathy Ruth said, "Since there is a proven link between good academic achievement and good nutrition, our goal is to help make sure students can concentrate on their studies without having to worry about where they will get their next meal."

The GFWC Zwaanendael Women's Club, a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation whose members are public-spirited women serving and improving the community. For information, go to www.gfwcZwaanendael.com.