Last week the national No Kid Hungry campaign honored twelve summer and afterschool meals providers across the country as Out-of-School Time Meals Champions. These providers supply children with healthy food when they need it most, during the long summer months and after the school day ends.
Annette Dove, founder and director of Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service (TOPPS) in Pine Bluff, was honored as one of those twelve making a difference in their communities. For over 20 years, Annette has dedicated herself to feeding children and families in Jefferson County and nearby communities through TOPPS, which provides not just summer and after-school meal programs but also skill-building classes, mentoring, tutoring, and recreational activities to youth and families.
With over 30 years of experience working with youth, Annette understands the challenges children and families face. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education K-12 and a Master of Science degree in Education. Annette has a long history of working with youth, including teaching in the Pine Bluff school district, serving as the director of the federally funded program “Home Instruction Program for Preschool Youngsters” (HIPPY), serving as her church youth director, and serving on the Early Childhood Commission.
Annette is passionate about feeding children and hopes to use her platform as an OST Champion to work with new sponsors to increase the availability of summer and afterschool meals. Learn more about her at the TOPPS website or read a recent feature on Annette written by Will Zee’ Tidwell.
The twelve individuals recognized by No Kid Hungry were selected based on their program excellence and dedication to serving their community. They will work with No Kid Hungry over the next year to share their expertise with new providers increasing the availability and quality of summer and afterschool meals across the country.