by: Marylin Day, Parishioner from St. David’s, Bean Blossom
Feeding the hungry is a universal problem. An ecumenical program in Brown County, Indiana is helping with this crisis. Brown County Weekend Backpacks, Inc. began their mission in 2014. We are now celebrating 10 years of churches and the community working together to feed our hungry children.
St. David’s Episcopal Church in Bean Blossom, Indiana was one of the original founding members of this program and it includes many other churches and organizations throughout the county. We are packing and delivering an average of 105 bags each week. If you know of any family or child who may need this program in Brown County, please have them contact the child’s school for more information.
Our mission is simple – providing food for children at home on the weekend. For many children the only meal they receive may be a school breakfast or lunch. Many Brown County kids are hungry every day – and on weekends! BCWB provides a backpack each Friday containing 6 nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals plus a snack to students in families struggling with hunger. Eating well on weekends helps kids come to school each Monday ready to learn. Children who do not eat regular, nutritious meals are more likely to be in poor health and struggle in school. (Source: Feeding America website)
In Brown County, one of every five children lives in poverty, and one of every three households struggles to afford the basic necessities, including food. (Source: Kids Count in Indiana 2017 Data Book, calendar year 2015 and United Way ALICE Report—2016 Update for Indiana)
If you are interested in starting a program like this in your county, please contact St. David’s.
