"Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same." Luke 3:11
Backpack Ministry is a community outreach program that provides food to children in need, for us at HHUMC it is aimed at 2 local elementary schools. Working with the school we serve children who may not have access to enough food over the weekend, especially those who rely on school-provided meals during the week.
How Backpack Ministries Work:
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Food Packages: Volunteers gather and pack bags with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food items (such as canned meals, pasta, granola bars, fruit cups, and snacks). These bags are meant to provide enough food for the child to have meals over the weekend when they may not have access to school meals.
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Partnerships with Schools: The ministry works in collaboration with local schools, where teachers, counselors, or school administrators identify children who might be at risk of going hungry over the weekend. These children may not have sufficient food at home, so the school helps distribute the backpacks.
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Confidential and Anonymous: The distribution process is usually done confidentially, with the children receiving their backpacks discreetly, to maintain privacy and reduce any stigma. This way, children who may feel embarrassed about receiving assistance can do so without feeling singled out.
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Volunteers and Donations: Our church works to fund and volunteer for bag pack outreach. Donations can include monetary contributions or food items. We also send email blast out to collect items needed.
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The Goal: The ultimate goal is to help reduce food insecurity among children, ensuring they have enough to eat and can focus on their education and personal development without the distraction of hunger.