Special Edition Newsletter November 19, 2024 View as Webpage

Honoring a Visionary:

Remembering Bob Barnes and his Legacy

The Children’s Hunger Project is filled with a deep sense of loss as we bid farewell to our beloved founder, Bob Barnes. Bob was a visionary leader whose compassion and commitment to the welfare of children transformed countless lives. At the age of 70, he recognized the urgent need to address food insecurity among children and took decisive action to ensure that hungry kids would not go without meals on weekends. His initiative laid the foundation for The Children’s Hunger Project, which has since become a vital resource for many families in need.

Ten years later, at the age of 80, Bob continued to champion the cause of youth empowerment by founding Aspiration Academy. His commitment to fostering academic success and providing coaching for children in Brevard County reflects his unwavering belief in the potential of every child. Bob's legacy will live on as the programs he established continue to serve and uplift the community, ensuring that children have the resources and support they need to thrive both in their education and in life.

As we acknowledge Bob's incredible contributions, we invite the community to join us in honoring his memory by continuing his mission of compassion and support for children. Together, we can carry forward his vision and ensure that his impact is felt for generations to come.

We will be sharing more information in a future newsletter regarding a celebration of Bob's life.

Click here for the Florida Today tribute.

Enjoy the photos below of Bob throughout the years

"The Children’s Hunger Project family is devastated at the loss of our beloved founder. He was generous and kind and his passion for helping the children of Brevard was second to none. He was such a big piece of our community beyond TCHP and meant so much to so many; he will be greatly missed. We will honor him and make him proud by carrying on his vision and his legacy will live on." - TCHP Executive Director Cheryl Cominsky

Friends Unite to Create Lasting Change

for Hungry Children in Brevard County

In Brevard County where innovation and exploration soar to new heights, its hard to fathom that children are grappling with the very basic need for food. When David Cohen, the former board chair of TCHP, received a call from his friend Bob Barnes in 2009, it opened his eyes to a startling reality. Bob's heartfelt plea was not just about numbers; it was about the innocent lives of elementary-aged children who face the grim prospect of going hungry during weekends, when school meals are but a distant memory.

At first, Cohen was taken aback; how could a place so rich in opportunity and progress harbor such a pressing issue? However, as he delved deeper into the facts, the truth became as clear as a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral. The statistics were staggering - then 50% of students in Brevard were enrolled in free and reduced school meal programs, a figure that starkly contrasted with the national average of just 17%.

Imagine being a child, full of potential and dreams, yet held back by the gnawing hunger in your belly as you return to school. Bob Barnes, David Cohen, Sam Jordan and Jean-Yves Clerc decided to do something about it, and established The Children's Hunger Project to fill that need, starting with one school and 27 students. Bob's ability to bring the story of the solvable problem of local hungry children to the community, worked tirelessly with daily determined efforts, to grow a support network of businesses, faith organizations, civic groups, news outlets, and volunteers. Bob's legacy lives on, as TCHP is now helping 4,300 children at 60 public schools on weekends and during the summer break. He is truly an angel that guides us.

Bob Barnes, David Cohen, Sam Jordan and Jean-Yves Clerc

Click here to submit any photos or words you would like us to add to our upcoming website tribute page. Visit our tribute page for heartfelt words from community members.