Giving Back Through Backpacks
August 30, 2024
When one thinks of “childhood hunger”, perceptions of what that “looks like” can vary widely amongst different people, sometimes calling to mind graphic images in the news. It is vital to note, however, that hunger can often present in an inconspicuous tone in our society, often hiding behind the agitation and aggression of a child who is wrestling with behavioral issues, or the frustration of a student who has trouble concentrating, retaining information, or staying awake in the classroom, or the student whose grades consistently fall below those of their classmates’ or of their own potential. What we may presume to be symptoms of mental health issues or “just being a kid”, can often actually be a symptom of a different trigger – that of malnourishment. Kids, just as adults, need not only enough food, but enough quality foods, to keep their brain and body healthy enough to learn, grow and be challenged.
According to “Feeding America”, a “nationwide network of food banks, food pantries and local meal programs…[whose goal is to] help people get the food and resources they need to thrive”, 13 million children in the U.S. are food insecure and 1 in 5 children are categorized as “facing hunger”. Further, according to Feeding America’s most recent data from their 2022 “Map the Gap” report, in the Capitol Planning Region alone (which includes Hartford), the food insecurity rate amongst children is 16.7% or a staggering 33,520 children. Additionally, data reports 1 in 6 children in Connecticut are experiencing hunger. (Additional info can be found at https://map.feedingamerica.org)
In light of this ongoing crisis, in 2006, Hands On Hartford introduced the kids’ weekend “Backpack Nutrition Program”, starting with 2 elementary schools. The program has grown significantly since its inception, evolving into partnerships with eight Hartford schools (including Breakthrough North, Burns, Covenant Prep, Dwight, MLK, Parkville, Trinity Academy, and Wish) and providing food for over 225 children identified, by their respective school, as “food insecure” or “facing hunger”. Through participant surveys, it was also discovered that the majority of students enrolled in the Backpack Nutrition Program actually end up sharing their meals with sibling(s), further stressing the importance and need for this initiative. The work is supported by an incredible team of Hands On Hartford employees and about 30 volunteers, who split their time throughout the week sorting, stocking, labeling, counting, packing and delivering the backpacks each and every Thursday throughout the school year.
Food included in the backpacks are healthy snacks and nutritious, easy-to-make meals that these students can prepare without the help of a parent (i.e. fresh fruit, oatmeal, healthy cereal with shelf-stable milk, chicken noodle soup, mac & cheese, granola bars, etc.). Providing nutritious meals that kids can easily prepare themselves helps to ensure that every child who participates in the program is able to access the nutrients they need, regardless of their family’s circumstance at home, and return to school each Monday, well-nourished and ready to learn. As an added bonus, thanks to generous donors, backpacks are often enhanced with a different specialty goodie that the kids can look forward to, including gifts such as coloring books, sticker packets, school supplies, hot cocoa kits, winter accessories, resources for parents and more.
One of the Backpack Nutrition Program’s recipients for the past several years is Trinity Academy, formerly located in the Asylum Hill neighborhood of Hartford and now situated in the West End at Immanuel Congregational Church. This independent, privately-funded, tuition-free elementary school serves grades one through four and is tailored for students from historically underserved communities. Their mission is “to provide Hartford area children with an exceptional elementary school education, emphasizing equity and diversity, and an individualized learning plan for each student.” Further, Trinity Academy also “fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment that values family, community, and personal growth” while empowering their students through “intensive academics that include the arts, literacy, critical thinking, and socio-emotional learning”, ultimately “instilling a love of learning for a successful future.”
Barton Darney, Director of Development for Trinity Academy, shared the impact of Hands On Hartford’s Backpack Nutrition Program for the students at her school. “The program has really helped our families, especially with those who are food insecure, knowing they are going home with food every week. We, at Trinity Academy, like to offer wrap-around services- to provide everything the students need to succeed at school. We’ve sensed a big improvement since the Backpack Nutrition Program was introduced. Our students have a sense of wellbeing and a sense of security knowing they have those backpacks full of food when they go home. It really does improve learning. People don’t often think about the fact that if these students get fed at school, they will do better at school. Though Trinity Academy provides students free meals throughout the week, they may not have access to food they need on the weekends. What’s special about our school is that our motto is “Kids Come First”. We really focus on how we can remove any barriers to learning and the Backpack Nutrition Program is a huge part of helping to remove obstacles.”
Hands On Hartford’s Director of Partnerships & Support, Donna Colliton, shared further insight from her previous employment as Executive Director of Trinity Academy. “Studies show that Hartford is a food desert and it’s often difficult to be able to find, and afford, produce and other types of healthy foods, therefore many families often opt for cheaper and faster options such as fast food, which, in most cases, results in poor nutrition and the risk of childhood obesity and other related health issues. Our Backpack Nutrition Program helps to introduce healthier options for families who may otherwise not have the access or means to purchase them and will hopefully replace unhealthy alternatives.”
Another part of what makes the Backpack Nutrition Program truly special is the comradery and dedication of the volunteers who commit to their designated tasks each week, ensuring all of the backpacks are packed uniformly and delivered on time to the students throughout the school year. Beth Ferrari, a member of Avon Congregational Church, alongside other members of her church, have been volunteering with the Backpack Program since November 2020.
Beth shared that her group’s drive to show up each and every Wednesday of the school year, in the height of the pandemic and beyond, has been motivated by a strong desire to support children and their families experiencing food insecurity. “I think it’s really important for us to know we are supporting so many children, and their families, who have very serious needs and that we are supplying easy-to-prepare foods for them every weekend”. She goes on to explain that, “What we all like about the actual volunteer work is that it’s relatively easy to do because the tasks assigned to us have already been organized and planned out [by a Hands On Hartford staff member] and shared by other volunteers throughout the week. My specific group assembles the bags through a “grab and fill” method, which is easy to do. A lot of us have to organize things in our personal lives so it brings us joy getting to give back, but to be able to
just show up and pack the bags, knowing the more difficult part of planning has already been taken care of…plus, my group gets to be the ones to finish packing the backpacks up, which is so rewarding.”
Unlike what many assume, food for the program is not supported by government funding, but instead purchased from generous grants and internal fundraising efforts. The program also relies on in-kind donations of food and enhancement items from individuals, schools, faith-based communities, small businesses and corporations, many of who host collection drives and packing events.
The need for financial and in-kind support is ongoing. We invite those interested in making a monetary or in-kind donation to reach out to our Director of Partnerships & Support, Donna Colliton, at 860-706-1538 or dcolliton@handsonhartford.org. We thank you for your support and consideration!
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