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BackPacks for Kids Program
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In December 2006, the Food Bank initiated its first ever BackPack Program at College Heights Elementary School. We received 30 donated backpacks from a youth group in Clyde. Since we had been wanting to implement the program for some time, we scrambled for enough funding to purchase kid-friendly foods to fill these 30 packs. It cost about $3.50 last year to fill a backpack for a week, but with the huge increase in cost of groceries, we will be spending closer to $4.50 this next year. Since starting the program with 30 backpacks, we now serve 162 kids. We received a grant from The Beaumont Foundation at the first of the year which allowed us to expand the program. We depend on donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations to sustain the program.
The program provides backpacks filled with food that is child friendly, nonperishable, and easily consumed. Backpacks are discreetly distributed to children on Friday afternoons or before holiday vacations.
Chronically hungry children are targeted to receive the backpacks. They are identified by a teacher or counselor, and parents are asked permission for their child to participate. Teachers, parents and the kids rate the program on a report card several times a year. This is helpful as we plan for the next year.
v BackPacks for Kids Program:
Abilene
College Heights Elementary (2006)
Ortiz Elementary (2007)
Rural
Clyde Elementary, Clyde (2008)
Santa Anna Elementary (2008)
Novice Elementary (2008)
Stamford Elementary (2008)
Abilene—Opening in Fall 2008
Locus Head Start,
Woodson Head Start
Fannin Elementary
To be announced—pending funding
4 locations – 1 Rural; 3 Local
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