Harvest Hope seeks to expand BackPack program in Darlington County

Out of 10,102 children enrolled in Darlington County schools, 83% are on free/reduced breakfast and lunch programs, totaling 8,468 children. Harvest Hope Food Bank is working with community partners and Darlington County schools to ensure as many children as possible have meals to nourish them throughout each weekend through their BackPack program, and provides a stable source of nourishment to 92 children every week at four Darlington County schools through the program.

Harvest Hope’s BackPack Program ensures that children have a stable supply of nourishment to last through the weekend when they do not have access to in-school breakfast and lunches. Backpacks containing seven meals are distributed to children in participating schools. The meals are comprised of nutritious items such as fruit cups, nutrition bars, juice boxes, reduced fat milk and other sources of protein that children can open and prepare on their own. Guidance counselors and teachers at schools participating in the BackPack Program report that students who received backpacks through the program showed improvement in attendance, behavior and grades, and exhibited an overall improvement in motivation and attitude about school.

For additional information on Harvest Hope Children’s Feeding Programs, and to find ways you can partner to help bring more meals to children in Darlington County, please contact Danielle St. Marie at dstmarie@harvesthope.org

Author: Jana Pye

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