Blessings in a Backpack :
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 under 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 , 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 Biabfloyd . com
POWERED BY SAMTEC CARES
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