Elmwood Park Bombers urge council help after sudden Board of Education restrictions on food hut use

Kasim (Cass) Banks, president of the Elmwood Park Bombers youth program, told the council on Sept. 18 that his organization planned around access to a donated food hut used by the club and the high school football team but was told in August it could not use the hut without installing commercial refrigeration, a three-compartment sink, a mop sink and other upgrades mandated by the board of health and school officials.

"No prior warning, no collaboration discussion, just a restriction of usage," Banks said. He told the council the organization — a nonprofit that serves more than 250 children — had been asked to fund HUD-level repairs and that the hut sits on school property, which limits the group's control over maintenance. Banks said the group is fundraising but asked for clear, collaborative communication and shared commitment from the Board of Education and borough officials.

Council members said they would help facilitate a meeting with the superintendent and Board of Education representatives, and asked Banks to leave contact information so the borough can follow up. "We can reach out to the superintendent of schools," Council President Lorraine Pellegreen said, and council members noted they would not promise outcomes but would offer to meet and guide discussions so the Bombers are not handling negotiations alone.

Next steps: the council will reach out to school leadership and attempt to broker a joint meeting; Mr. Banks said he will continue pursuing Board of Health and Board of Education channels and fundraising for the season.