Write a commentThe Fulton chapter of Blessings in a Backpack has been hard at work making sure no student in the district goes hungry over the weekends.
In October, volunteers packed 1,120 bags for students in the district who otherwise may have gone hungry over the weekends—one per weekend for each of the students who rely on the program. “It is truly an honor to be able to be part of the Blessings Team,” one of the program coordinators told iHeart. “The support we get from individuals, community organizations, grants and our volunteers is heartfelt. Our motto, ‘Who will feed the kids this weekend?’ is being fulfilled because of the kindness, generosity and compassion of our community.”
Blessings in a Backpack is a nation-wide program with local chapters in both the Fulton and Oswego school districts. Begun in 2005 by school volunteer Missy Hammerstrom, the program focuses on providing balanced meals that remain accessible to students who may have limited access to amenities like refrigeration, can openers, or functional kitchen appliances.
With disruptions to SNAP amid the longest government shutdown in history, this program is more important than ever in keeping our community’s children healthy and fed. 280 students—approximately 9% of the district’s total enrollment—are currently served by the Fulton chapter of Blessings in a Backpack. To learn more about signing up your student for support from the program, reach out to FultonBlessingsBackpack@gmail.com or talk to the child’s guidance counselor. One student said of the program: “I always smile when I see the bag of food! I know it will make my weekend and belly a little bit better.”
Co-Program Coordinator Doug Stevens spoke to iHeart Oswego about the importance of raising awareness of the program and the work being done. In Oswego County as a whole, just over 5,800 children are at an increased risk of going hungry without SNAP benefits. Ongoing support is critical to ensuring food security for each of these children, including through critical community assets like Blessings in a Backpack.
There are a number of ways to support the Fulton chapter of Blessings in a Backpack. The program is looking to expand its village of supporters as the needs of our community’s children grow. Save-A-Lot in Fulton will be hosting a “register ring,” where they ask for a $1 donation to be passed on to the program. Three Little Pigs Bottle and Can in Fulton is accepting cans and bottles to the Fulton Blessings in a Backpack #1764 account. And, of course, the program is always looking for volunteers and always accepting donations online.
For more information about food resources throughout Oswego County, be sure to check our Resource Round-Up tab.
