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. Newport Cares is designed to provide weekend meals for the neediest students who have been identified through the school’s guidance department.
Studies continue to show that hungry children have lower test scores, diminished learning capacity, increased behavior problems and increased tardiness and absences.
Donna's Backpacks is a partner with Feeding Amercia Southwest Virginia and follows strict guidelines in matters of cleanliness and food storage and handling.