Program Spotlight: Blessings in a Backpack Floyd County Program
In the heart of Floyd County, Indiana, a community initiative thrives, ensuring that children are fed on the weekends when they are not in school. The Blessings in a Backpack Floyd County program began in 2008 when a school principal noticed students arriving on Mondays hungry due to the lack of food they received over the weekend. Determined to make a difference, the principal reached out to Blessings in a Backpack, marking the humble beginnings of a program that would change lives.
In 2015, a group of volunteers – primarily teachers, administrators, and NAFCS parents — stepped up to take the program to the next level and set up the Blessings in a Backpack Floyd County program. This marked a pivotal moment, as it allowed for the development of a lasting partnership with the New Albany Floyd County Education Foundation.
In 2019, further steps were taken to solidify the presence of Blessings in a Backpack in Floyd County by creating an advisory board. In the hands of the board, the program’s financial picture has strengthened, and awareness of the need for weekend food has increased significantly. With the community’s support and dedicated volunteers, Blessings in a Backpack Floyd County now reaches children in preschool through the 6th grade in 12 schools across the NAFCS district.
What started as a compassionate response to immediate need has evolved into an effort to decrease childhood hunger in the community. From its modest start, the Blessings in a Backpack Floyd County program has grown exponentially, now serving over 1,800 students across 12 schools within the NAFCS district.
Behind Blessings in a Backpack Floyd County’s success lies a team of dedicated volunteers and board members. Comprised of local educators, parents, administrators, and concerned citizens, this passionate group works tirelessly to ensure the program’s success. From coordinating deliveries to executing fundraising endeavors, their collective efforts drive the mission forward.
The Blessings in a Backpack Floyd County program strives to build a community where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Through their unwavering commitment and tireless advocacy, the Blessings in a Backpack Floyd County program continues to ensure the children in their community don’t go hungry over the weekend.