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Backpack Ministry
Welcome to Backpack Buddies!
The Backpack Buddies Ministry of Forest Hills Church is a community-based program that began in February of 2011. The mission of the Backpack Ministry is to provide children who are at risk for poor nutritional intake when not receiving school meals with supplemental, child-friendly food. This ministry began with 9 students serving 1 school. In the years that have followed, we've grown to service over 3,000 children in multiple schools and 3 counties. This allows students to return to school more attentive to classroom studies rather than focusing on their hunger. As this partnership grows and matures, other needs will be identified for students and families, which we will attempt to meet on an individual basis.
Questions? Contact
How it Works
Identification
Children struggling with food insecurity are identified by school faculty, and permission from parents or guardians is sought to include their children in the Backpack Program.
Middle GA Food Bank
Each week, The Backpack Ministry purchases nutritious child-friendly food from the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank. Then, volunteers pack bags of food and separate by school and child
Delivery
Every week, our van delivers carts filled with the packed bags to the schools. Each student receives a grocery bag containing 12-15 child-friendly items such as drinks, proteins, fruits, snacks, and breakfast foods.
How you can Help!
We are always in need of some extra helping hands! Here are some ways you can get involved.
Driving the Van: Become a vital link in the chain by driving our delivery van to schools every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning, ensuring the bags reach the students who need them most.
Pack & Sort Food Bags: Join our team any day of the week to help pack and sort the nutritious, child-friendly food bags, directly preparing the weekly meals for students.
Organize & Stock Supplies: Dedicate just one day per week to help keep our program running smoothly by organizing our storage and stocking food from the banks into the bins.
Hand out the Bags: Experience the direct impact of your efforts! This role offers the opportunity to be face-to-face with the students as you hand them their bags at the schools, providing a moment of encouragement and personal connection.
We accept individual-sized, child-friendly foods such as fruit cups, juice boxes, shelf-stable milk, cheese crackers, and breakfast or cereal bars. In addition, there's always a need for clothing and supplies such as school uniforms, backpacks, or other school materials.
Every dollar counts. The ministry relies on personal donations, grants, and business donations. Your donation enable us to purchase food at discounted prices and feed more children.