GF Public School Staff

SOUND OFF on The BackPacks4Kids Program

how has Backpacks4Kids affected the classroom environment?

"It has ensured every student has their basic needs to succeed on any given day. Our students don’t need to worry about lacking the basic necessities of life, and the food backpacks give them a sense of security. They know that they will have something to get them through the weekend. When students have all of their basics need met, and aren’t anxious about what is coming, their behavior tends to be better."

Is the Backpack4Kids program making a difference?

"Yes. These backpacks make a huge difference in kids lives. We have between 20-30 kids that get these backpacks weekly. With these bags, they know that they will have something to eat over the weekend. I think it also takes some pressure off parents who might be struggling to feed their kids three meals. I think as prices soar on groceries and gas, families will appreciate them even more. I also always make sure to send extra bags home with kids who I know have younger siblings at home. We love these kids, and want the best for them. I feel better knowing that they won’t be hungry over the weekend."

Can you please share a story of how Backpacks4kids is making a difference in the home of a child?

"We have multiple students who benefit from the backpacks weekly. One story I have is I always put two bags in one of our students backpacks, because I know he has a younger sibling at home that isn’t old enough for school. I worry constantly about this family, and frequently check with the student to make sure they are having their needs met. I was dropping off a food box at their house one afternoon, just as the student was getting home. Knowing it was Friday, his little sibling came running out and immediately asked for the food backpack. Her face lit up when he gave it to her. It makes me happy to know that these students have food for the weekend, and that they truly enjoy and appreciate the food that they are given. I would worry about this family constantly, if they weren’t getting these bags every week."