Cape and Islands United Way to Honor Tammy Leone with Community Spirit Award at Power of the Purse

Executive Director of Cape Kid Meals recognized for her leadership and commitment to addressing childhood hunger across Cape Cod

HYANNIS, MA — The Cape and Islands United Way will honor Tammy Leone, Executive Director of Cape Kid Meals, with its Community Spirit Award at this year’s Power of the Purse, taking place Wednesday, October 14, at the Hyannis Port Club.

The Community Spirit Award recognizes an individual whose leadership, generosity and commitment to service have made a meaningful difference in the Cape and Islands community. Leone’s work to ensure local children have reliable access to nutritious food embodies that spirit.

Leone began volunteering with Cape Kid Meals in 2016 and became Executive Director in 2021. During her tenure, the organization has grown from serving two schools to partnering with 53 schools across 15 towns. Through weekend backpack meals, school snacks and school pantries, Cape Kid Meals now supports more than 2,200 children each week.

“I am deeply honored to be named the recipient of the Community Spirit Award,” said Leone. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the work of our entire Cape Kid Meals community—our volunteers, staff, school partners, donors and supporters—who believe that every child deserves consistent access to nutritious food.”

Cape Kid Meals and the Cape and Islands United Way have partnered since 2019, working together to address food insecurity and strengthen support for children and families throughout the region.

“Cape Kid Meals has proudly partnered with the Cape and Islands United Way since 2019,” Leone added. “Their continued support has been instrumental in helping us expand our programs, reach more children and strengthen our impact across Cape Cod and Wareham.”

Leone will be recognized during Power of the Purse, the signature annual event of Women United, an initiative of the Cape and Islands United Way that brings women together to create positive change for local individuals and families.

This year’s event will be held Wednesday, October 14, at the Hyannis Port Club and will bring together community members, business leaders and supporters for an evening celebrating philanthropy, connection and local impact. Tickets are available now online at capeandislandsuw.org/pop.

About Cape Kid Meals

Cape Kid Meals is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending childhood hunger by providing food to children when access to school meals is unavailable. Working in partnership with schools and community supporters, the organization provides weekend backpack meals, snacks and school pantry resources to thousands of children across Cape Cod and Wareham.

About the Cape and Islands United Way

The Cape and Islands United Way works to improve lives and strengthen communities across Cape Cod and the Islands by mobilizing people, resources and partnerships around the region’s most pressing needs. Through community investment, collaboration and initiatives such as Women United, the organization connects local generosity with meaningful, measurable impact.