Dear Friends and Neighbors,



It is “back to school” time. Do you remember your backpack? For years I had a dark green Jansport backpack that had been gifted to me as a practical gift. This sturdy bag served me well and got a reprieve during part of high school when I chose to use a “cooler” and shoulder pain inducing Esprit canvas tote bag.

Both bags served me for decades and I finally retired the green backpack last year. Over 40 years that bag carried much more than books, it traveled across the country, went to camp, scaled mountains, and always seem to hold what was needed in that moment.

As children return to classrooms, their backpacks transport important items. Some of these students even use backpacks to carry home food for the weekend. I am proud of the SSKP Backpack Support Program that shares food directly with children in our region through “backpacks.” With your help thousands of pounds of food are shared directly with children in their backpacks. Thank you!

I wonder how might I fill a backpack for the coming weekend if that was the majority of food I would have access to?

All food shared via backpack programs, grocery pantries, and community meals sites makes a difference! The different options help ensure access to food for neighbors, friends, family, seniors, and children.

“Back to School” is a time to remember we can and do make a difference.

With gratitude,

Amy