Mondy Mash
Blessings in a Backpack
As our children head back to school our thoughts turn to backpacks, supplies, and school or home made lunches. For those children who are less fortunate there are many local organizations to help with backpacks and supplies and government plans to help with breakfast and lunches. These are all great ways to help poor students who are unable or struggle to pay for school necessities during the week.
Did you know that 60% of children in the U.S. Public School system are on the Free or Reduced Meal program? For those students who qualify for free or reduced breakfasts and lunches do you ever wonder how they manage on the weekend? Many of these students don’t have any food over the weekend. Blessings in a Backpack fills that need.
In 2004, Stan Curtis (Kentucky Harvest) and Missy Hammerstrom (local parent) developed the concept of feeding school kids over the weekends. Blessings in a Backpack was launched in July 2005, with two schools. The program is now serving 27,600+ elementary students in 21 states and 156 schools.
Every Friday, students receive their backpacks with staples that require little to no preparation. They return with their backpacks on Monday ready to learn. Can you imagine how hard it must be to learn if you haven’t ate since Friday?
A mere $80 feeds a student in the program on the weekends for the entire school year. This great program has improved students’ test scores, reading skills, behavior, health, and increased attendance. It’s a lot easier to learn when your stomach isn’t growling!
As you might know, SixSuitcaseTravel proudly contributes 10% of our affiliate and advertiser income to Blessings in a Backpack. As a former student who qualified for reduced lunches, I think this is a wonderful program that serves our children who are our future.
You can donate to Blessings in a Backpack here.
