National "Backpack Buddy" Program "A Food Pantry for Kids" |
At the Schuylkill Haven Elementary Center
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The National Backpack Program concept is carried out throughout the country - almost 140 food banks participate, serving more than 190,000 underprivileged children each year. Backpacks are filled with enough food for six meals and two snacks and include a non-food item like shampoo, toothbrush, toilet paper etc. The food is child-friendly, non-perishable, easily consumed and vitamin fortified. Backpacks are distributed to children on Fridays or the last day before school holidays in non-descript backpacks to not draw attention. Good nutrition over the weekends helps children return to school on Monday morning feeling good and ready to learn instead of sick and weak. (Statatics and overview provided by the Greater Berks Food Bank) The Greater Berks Food Bank delivers the food for the Schuylkill Haven Elementary Center program.
At the start of the 2014 - 2015 school year, Two Hundred Schuylkill Haven Area elementary students qualified for the Backpack program based on federal income eligibility guidelines. This year One Hundred and Nine students elected to participate and have been receiving their backpacks filled with food each weedend. Some Backpack items include: Peanut Butter, Mac & Cheese, Soup, Hamburger Helper, fruit cups, pretzels, animal crackers, raisins, and juice.
The cost to provide this most valuable program each year is $9800.00. The required money is secured from grants, donations from local busiesses, civic organizations, private individuals, and of course fundraising endeavors. If you or your affiliated group would like to contribute to this very worth while cause please contact the Council of Churches.
At the start of the 2014 - 2015 school year, Two Hundred Schuylkill Haven Area elementary students qualified for the Backpack program based on federal income eligibility guidelines. This year One Hundred and Nine students elected to participate and have been receiving their backpacks filled with food each weedend. Some Backpack items include: Peanut Butter, Mac & Cheese, Soup, Hamburger Helper, fruit cups, pretzels, animal crackers, raisins, and juice.
The cost to provide this most valuable program each year is $9800.00. The required money is secured from grants, donations from local busiesses, civic organizations, private individuals, and of course fundraising endeavors. If you or your affiliated group would like to contribute to this very worth while cause please contact the Council of Churches.
Click on the Audio Files below to hear comments by the Principal, Guidance Counselor, and a Kindergarten recipient...
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Program Evaluation
A Backpack Student Survey is used to obtain feedback from the Kids regarding certain aspects of the program. Check out the questions asked the students...Then click on the Audio file to hear how this 4th grader responds!
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