Becky is a Title 1 school counselor and sees firsthand how hunger impacts her students. She knows children and their parents are relieved that a new school year is underway so kids can once again eat free breakfasts and lunches in the cafeteria. For many, the meals they eat at school are the only ones they can count on.

But what about evenings, weekends and school breaks? That’s where you come in...

“We could not do our jobs as effectively as counselors and teachers without Montgomery County Food Bank donors and volunteers,” says Becky.

Teachers help identify students at risk of hunger and help make sure they can take part in the Food Bank’s Backpack Buddy program to receive nutritious, kid–friendly weekend food. The students’ families are also referred to Mobile Pantries and Food Bank partner agencies.

“The Backpack Buddy program is one of the best programs we have,” Becky says.

Extra bags are given to families with a higher need, and two bags per child are given during the holidays and school breaks. She recalled one mother who cried tears of joy when she found out there were extra bags her family could use in a time of extreme need.

“This has been wonderful,” Becky says of the program your gifts help make possible.

Thank you for giving students across Montgomery County the nutrition they need to succeed this school year, and beyond. You bring the hope of a brighter future for our entire community.