IMMOKALEE – Having access to the right tools for success ensures students are confident and better prepared going into the new school year. Lipman Family Farms, America’s largest open-field tomato grower, is making sure every student in Immokalee starts the 2019-2020 school year with a brand-new backpack, school supplies, and a confident attitude. The 8th annual Backpack Giveaway and Back to School Event will take place on Saturday, August 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Immokalee High School football field on 701 Immokalee Drive.

Lipman will host this event, distributing more than 1,500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies, 200 bikes and helmets, clothing store gift cards, back-to-school haircuts, and much more to elementary and middle school students in Immokalee. Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to collect their backpack and supplies such as notebooks, folders, crayons, glue, pencils and pens.

“We strongly believe today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders and we hope to instill confidence in Immokalee students and ensure that nothing stands in their way of receiving the education they deserve,” said Jaime Weisinger, Director of Community and Government Relations at Lipman.

The Back-to-School event will feature music, food, face painting, games and entertainment thanks to the support and generosity of local and national businesses, sponsors, and vendors. The morning will also include essential services and information available to families in attendance, all free of charge. Last year, over 30 service providers like Healthy Smiles and Suncoast Credit Union exhibited at the event, with information such as financial advising, educational support, and health services.

This year, Lipman has the capabilities to gather even more local non-profit organizations to the field, including Harry Chapin Food Bank, who will be in attendance this year to hand out food.

In preparation for the big day, a stuffing party will be held on Friday, July 19 where volunteers from Lipman and surrounding communities will help prepare backpacks for the giveaway.

Collier and surrounding counties displayed incredible support by raising over $45,000 at the 5K Run for Backpacks on Saturday, May 11, the largest amount raised thus far. The proceeds generated this year will ensure every child in attendance at the Back-to-School event will receive a backpack, eliminating the need for families to arrive early and form a line.

“We are excited to offer additional support like prizes, services, and entertainment at this year’s giveaway,” Weisinger states. “We, at Lipman, are the hosts and fundraisers of the event but it is the community and volunteers that truly make an impact with their continuous support of their neighbors, and we are proud to act as the conduit to make Immokalee students’ odds of success a little bit brighter.”

For more information about the event, to make a donation, or inquire about exhibiting or sponsorships, visit Lipman’s Facebook page at facebook.com/LipmanFamilyFarms or call 239-657-4421.

ABOUT LIPMAN FAMILY FARMS
Lipman Family Farms is a full-service tomato and vegetable company operating in both open field and protected agriculture. Lipman is the largest open field tomato grower in North America. Lipman also specializes in greenhouse grown tomatoes and vegetables with greenhouse operations in Nebraska, Canada, and Mexico. Lipman’s seed to shelf supply chain control – research & development, farming, processing, repacking, logistics and marketing – delivers the consistency and quality that has made Lipman Family Farms North America’s most dependable source of fresh tomatoes and vegetables.