Bread for the World, a non-profit organization working to end hunger, reports that 49 million Americans are food insecure, 16 million of whom are children.
Closer to home, Feeding America Southwest Virginia recently identified 2,000 Giles County citizens as food insecure. Similarly, the 2019-20 National School Lunch Program Free and Reduced Price Eligibility Report shares that 195 students, out of a total of 399 students (over 48%), at Eastern Elementary/Middle School qualify for free or reduced price lunches.
To meet this challenge, NMO-UMC Church initiated Donna’s Backpacks in February 2011 to provide food for students who may have little or no food at home. Donna's Backpacks is designed to provide weekend meals for the neediest students who have been identified through the school’s guidance department. This year we are serving 40 students each week!
During the school year, we continuously need volunteers and donations. Our volunteer needs are setting out food on Thursdays, packing the bags on Fridays, and delivering the bags to the school on Fridays. Interested in volunteering? Please contact the church office or sign up using the clipboard in the Fellowship hall.
We are primarily funded by donations from the community. We are grateful for your generosity in providing in-kind and monetary donations to keep this program running.
Donna's Backpacks is a partner with Feeding Amercia Southwest Virginia and follows strict guidelines in matters of cleanliness and food storage and handling.