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Nourishing minds and stomachs, one child at a time
In a society where education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our youth, organizations like Blessings in a Backpack provide hope, addressing the critical issue of childhood hunger. Founded on the principle that no child should go to school on an empty stomach, Blessings in a Backpack has been working tirelessly to provide nutritional support to vulnerable students, enhancing their educational experiences, and overall well-being.
Just about 1 in 6 children in Floyd County face food insecurity. If not for Blessings in a Backpack, 30% of NAFCS pre-k through 6th grade students would leave their classroom, unsure of whether they will have enough to eat until school starts again the following Monday. Currently, over 1700 students are participating in Blessings in a Backpack, the largest group of students in the history of the program in Floyd County.
Katie Stein, Licensed Social Worker at New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corporation, explained how the program operates in Floyd County. “When students register for school, pre-K through sixth grade, we check to see if they qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. If so, they receive Blessings in a Backpack. Every time they go home for the weekend, we send home a bag of food, and those bags can vary every week with the different food packs. When they get back on Monday, they are fed, and ready to learn.”
Teachers, counselors, and social workers at the schools do a wonderful job of helping to identify students that could benefit from the program. However, if a family member or friend reaches out in regards to a child in need, Blessings in a Backpack will always help.
Blessings in a Backpack operates off of fundraising and grants. “Right now, our estimated costs are a little over $200,000 for the entire year to run the program,” said Katie. “Our advisory board of community volunteers, teachers, administration, and wonderful community members work hard to find different ways to raise the funds.”
Blessings in a Backpack leaves a mark on the lives of all involved, including those who help provide the service. “This is my fifth year with the program. Seeing the need firsthand in our students and talking to parents and community members that have benefitted from the program and seeing the impact, all that really keeps me going,” said Katie.
Volunteers are always welcome to come and help pack bags at the different schools in the county. Blessings in a Backpack also host a variety of events to help raise money, anyone interested can check out their social media channels and website.
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Blessings in a Backpack
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