Apr 11, 2016 2 min read

Dr. Beth Tully, principal of Trinity North Elementary School, half-jokingly says coming up with funding for Blessings in a Backpack, which provides food on the weekends for students who qualify for the federal free and reduced-price meal programs, is a second job.

“I spend a lot of time on it. I’m constantly writing letters and making appeals,” said Tully. “I know it’s important. For those kids who have nothing, it’s really important.”

Tully said 218 students at Trinity North qualify for Blessings in a Backpack.

Across the country, more than 600 schools in 46 states participate in Blessings in a Backpack (Washington, Canon-McMillan and Bentworth are among Washington County school districts that also participate in the program).

Trinity North has participated in the “neighbor-helping-neighbor” program for two years, and Tully is seeking funding for the 2016-17 school year.

So far, she has received donations from local financial institutions and individuals, but is approximately $4,000 short of her goal. It costs $80 to feed one child during the 38-week school year, Tully said.

Tully coordinates the weekly food pickups at Walmart, and a team of four parent volunteers, along with students in the district’s Academy Program and Life Skills classes, help pack the backpacks, which help meet the nutritional needs of children. They are filled with easy-to-prepare foods such as ramen noodles, oatmeal, granola bars and toaster pastries.

The students who participate in Blessings in a Backpack are participants in the district’s free or reduced-fee hot lunch program.

The consequences of child hunger are serious, Tully said.

Poor nutrition can result in a weaker immune system, lower IQ, shorter attention spans and lower academic achievement.

“When it comes to basic needs, I can’t give them a lot of things that I wish I could give them, but I can try to make sure they’re not hungry on the weekends,” said Tully.

Tully said the school district is seeking community sponsors to team up with the district to continue the program.

Any company, organization or individual interested in donating is asked to call Tully at 724-222-5064.