ALLEN COUNTY, Ind. (WPTA) – The Allen County Public Library is expanding its partnership with Blessings in a Backpack this summer, with plans to more than double the amount of food given to local children.
Blessings in a Backpack Executive Director, Jama Ross, says they were anticipating there would be a larger need this year than last Summer, which allowed them to expand.
“Kids 0-18 would be able to come into one of those library locations and get a bag of food to supplement them for the weekend,” says Ross. “Last year we did 5,400 kids and this year we’re looking at about 11,000 kids we are going to be feeding.”
The organizations’ program, which is meant to fight childhood hunger, launched last year and gave away more than 4,400 bags of shelf-stable food, enough to feed a child over the weekend. The St. Joe Community Health Foundation estimates 14% of Allen County residents are food insecure, including more than 18,000 children.
This year, it will operate from May 30 through July 25 across the following library branches:
- Main Library;
- Georgetown;
- Hessen Cassel;
- Little Turtle;
- Pontiac;
- Shawnee;
- Tecumseh; and
- Waynedale.
Ross says any child will be able to get a free meal with or without a parent/guardian, no questions asked.
“If you’re a kid who is hungry and you’re under the age of 18 all we need is you to tell us that you have a hungry tummy, and you can come in and get a bag of food. That is the only requirement. We’re not looking to create barriers for children to eat,” says Ross.
The locations will also continue an ongoing relationship with Fort Wayne Community Schools by giving out free lunches and snacks on weekdays.
“We are so pleased to be able to expand our partnership with Blessings in a Backpack and continue to serve our youngest patrons with weekend food,” said ACPL Youth Services Manager Jacki Fulwood. “It’s challenging to think about reading when you’re worried about where your next meal will come from.”
“It is our hope that providing this service is one more way we can support our community, fill in gaps over the summer, and connect with our patrons in meaningful ways.”
The bags, which are free, will be available to people 18 years old and younger.
Ross says even though the expansion of their program is fulfilling, there is still more that can be done.
“I think about that and those are the ones that I think about. I’m able to be proud of the work we’re doing but it constantly in my mind is the ones that we’re not able to reach and I think that’s the numbers that stick in my mind the most,” says Ross.
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