Have You Seen the Latest Hunger Statistics?
In Colorado, 1 in 7 children experience food insecurity. That's a lot!
What is Food Insecurity?
Food insecurity is an official term from the USDA. It is when people don't have enough to eat and don't know where their next meal will come from. However, there are many more people not meeting the definition of food insecure, who turn to charitable food nonprofits for support, like Backpack Society.
Backpack Society currently partners with Douglas County, Littleton and Englewood school districts. Here's a breakdown of the most current hunger statistics in our community:
Partnering Districts and Hunger Statistics
Douglas County School District
Kids on Free and Reduced-17%
304 Homeless Students
Littleton Public School District
Kids on Free and Reduced-23%
64 Homeless Students
Englewood School District
Kids on Free and Reduced-64%
175 Homeless Students
(Source: Colorado Dept of Education)
What's the Trend?
Backpack Society delivered the first meal to kids in need in 2020. Since then the Free and Reduced numbers have increased by approximately 7% in Douglas County, 5% in Littleton and 4% in Englewood.
Why Backpack Society Helps?
Our wish is for kids to come school on Mondays with a full belly & ready to learn! Research proves that hunger in school children leads to poorer school performance, anxiety, nervousness, and a lower amount of social interaction among their peers.
How Does Backpack Society Distribute Food?
Student Weekend Bags - Students receive a bag of food containing meals and snacks. The bags are delivered to our partner schools by our volunteers.
Family Grocery Program - Weekly Grocery Boxes, the Holiday Program and our No-Cost Market provide opportunities for families to meet their household needs.
School Partner Program - The Pantry Program, School Resource Officer Program, Crisis Boxes and Teacher Assistance are in place to help students and staff, and allow schools to focus on teaching.
Interested in Helping?
At Backpack Society we are supported by generous donations and invaluable volunteers who are neighbors and businesses in our community.
Here are some small ways that make a BIG impact:
Volunteer - Backpack Society is regularly in need of volunteers to distribute student weekend bags to our partnering schools. New volunteer spots are released the 15th of each month. Sign up here!
Donate - Food donations are always welcome and very appreciated. We are currently in need of the following items - peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, fruit cups and pasta sauce. There is a collection bin for non-perishable food outside of our pantry at 213 W Countyline Road. For an expanded Food Wishlist, click here:
https://www.backpacksociety.org/_files/ugd/e612c3_7886eea1a2e34bf09e71db97920f30f0.pdf
Vote - Backpack Society was nominated for Best of the Best Nonprofit in Highlands Ranch and Littleton! Help us spread the word about what we do in the community.
We'd love your vote! Cast your ballot here!
Thank you for being a valuable part of the Backpack Society impact!
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