IMMOKALEE, FL - Another year of providing the children of Immokalee, Florida, with-much needed school supplies is in the books for Lipman, the field tomato growing giant. For its 6th annual free community event, Lipman helped distribute more than 1,500 backpacks filled with school supplies to the students of Immokalee elementary and middle school at Immokalee High School on Saturday, August 5.

“We look forward to our backpack distribution event every year, because it gives the whole community an opportunity to come together for a great cause,” said Jaime Weisinger, Community Relations Director and Board Chairman for the Lipman Family Foundation. “Encouraging education is a priority for us, and we are always looking for new ways to invest in our community’s youth.”

And Lipman’s event wasn’t all backpack focused. In addition to the company’s donations, more than 40 local nonprofits and service agencies were present for the day, offering bicycle giveaways, a bounce house, free food, and entertainment. The Immokalee Sheriff’s Department provided a rock-climbing wall for attendees, more than 200 haircuts were provided by salon-level stylists from Immokalee Technical College, and the Harry Chapin Food Bank mobile pantry served over 300 families with free food.

According to a press release, the funds used to purchase the backpacks and school supplies were collected during Lipman’s “Run for Backpacks 5K.” More than 25 local organizations helped the company sponsor the donation-driving run. At the 5K event, Pinecrest Elementary School won free school uniform shirts for having the most participants.

Lipman has been committed to encouraging education for some time now. The company also offers scholarships to high school and college students in Collier and Lee counties, as well as a textbook reimbursement program. To learn more information about these and all of Lipman's efforts, visit www.lipmanfamilyfarms.com.

Lipman