by Rachel Stacey

Created on: November 19, 2010   Last Updated: November 20, 2010

12.4 million children in America (1 out of every 6) are at risk for hunger. More than 62% of children in America qualify for free or reduced lunch programs. These statistics are saddening but at least the schools are addressing the issue, right? Yes, they are. But what happens when a child leaves school for a 3-day weekend. Many children across America are returning to school on Monday after having little to eat over the weekend. When children are malnourished it affects their ability to learn and concentrate. As a nation we offer so much support to stamping out international hunger, but are we aware of and addressing the needs of our own children living in America? Blessings in a Backpack is one organization answering the call.

Blessings in a Backpack began with the efforts of Stan Curtis in 2005. Since, the program has grown by leaps and bounds. Blessings in a Backpack now feeds over 25,000 children in 21 states across America. Over the years, the organization has gained the support of many celebrities including Hillary Duff, Paula Deen, Goo Goo Dolls, Miley Cyrus, Scarlett Johanson, Nancy Grace and many more. The teen pop star MIley Cyrus has, for years supported 600 kids in the Blessings in a Backpack program in her home town of Hazard, KY. Paula Deen recently raised over $16,000 at an event benefiting Blessings in a Backpack. The list goes on and on. The organization is extremely grateful to the celebrities that contribute to the cause through their efforts and endorsements. 

How the program works

A concerned individual or group, a parent, teacher, doctor, etc., takes the first step by recognizing a need in their community. Once a school has been identified, the individual approaches the school staff explaining the benefits of the Blessings in a Backpack program. If the school agrees that the program would work well at their school, the individual then contacts Blessings in a Backpack for help in starting the campaign. The organization helps create a plan for the school. Then comes the hard part, finding support and funding. The impact stories that can be viewed on the organization's website show example after example of how the program has changed children's lives. Not having to worry about food allows students to relax and focus on their classwork. A healthy child is sick less often and misses less school days. Increased test scores are seen across the board in schools that have adopted the program. It only cost $80 a year to send a backpack home with a child each weekend. A small price to pay for food security for hungry children. 

After support has been raised for the number of children who have been selected to receive the backpacks, Blessings in a Backpack ships out the number of backpacks requested at no cost. The organization then helps the local program leader locate a grocer that will sell the food items needed at a discounted price. Food that are included in the backpack are healthy choices but are also ones that are easy for children to prepare themselves. Items include: fruit snacks, cereals, mac and cheese, pop tarts, juice boxes, etc. 

The program is then ready to begin! The program leader will organize a group of volunteers to shop for the food items, pack the backpacks, and deliver them to the school. Children return their backpacks each Monday. Blessings in a Backpack is an amazing program that has shown hope to hungry children all over the nation. For more information on ways to help visit www.blessingsinabackpack.org

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