Assemblyman Will Barclay recently met with organizers from Blessings in a Backpack.
Blessings in a Backpack is a national organization whose mission is to help end childhood hunger.
Each week, shelf stable, easy to prepare food is sent home to students that are on the free or reduced lunch program.
The local group provides healthy snacks for 250 qualifying elementary school children on weekends and on school breaks.
The group works with three schools in Oswego and four schools in Fulton.
Melissa Russell, the co-coordinator for the local group, noted that $80 feeds a student for the entire 38-week school year.
That’s only $2.10 per week.
Fundraiser Planned
The third annual Blessings in a Backpack Blast Hunger fundraising event is gearing up to be the best yet.
“With a change in menu and venue we are hoping to draw in a bigger crowd,” said Russell.
This year’s event will take place at the Elks Lodge in Oswego on March 12 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
“An additional change for this year is we are having a chicken BBQ. Chicken dinners with three sides and a roll are available for $10,” Russell said.
As before, there will be crafts and vendors, silent auction items, baskets for raffle, 50/50, a bake sale, and a live DJ.
The Oswego/Fulton chapter of Blessing in Backpack began in 2013.
Two churches from Oswego, The Church of the Resurrection and Grace Lutheran, and Prince of Peace in Fulton decided to partner up to help feed hungry students.
“We began with 50 students total, 25 students in each city, and have grown to feed 250 students,” said Russell.
To check for table availability, to order a chicken dinner or for more information on BIB, call Russell at 315-297-7802.
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This is a great program, and I have contributed to it. HOWEVER-I also know of a family in dire need of RECEIVING it for two children. I have written the Oswego City School District as to how to go about signing up to receive-NO ANSWER. I have inquired other ways. NO ANSWER!! How can a family with hungry children actually RECEIVE this program???
Debbie,
My name is Melissa Russell and I am the program coordinator for Oswego’s Blessings in a Backpack. I would like to be able to talk to you about your concerns, please call me at 315.297.7802.