Robeson County Schools Expands Backpack Pals Weekend Food Program

Public Schools of Robeson County has expanded its Backpack Pals program, giving weekend and break meals to kids who need them. The new Backpack Pals Program grew fast through joint work by local groups, including the County Church and Community Center, Kiwanis Young Professionals, Communities in Schools, and Southeastern Integrated Care.

Kids who might miss meals when school's out now get food to take home. The Church and Community Center stepped up more, putting clothes and basic supplies in social workers' offices at each school.

"We are so thankful for our community partners and school social workers who work each and every day to ensure that students' basic needs are met," PSRC McKinney-Vento Liaison Shaneitha Nance said in a news release. "These partnerships make a tremendous difference in the lives of our students and families."

Staff filled bags with food for older students on a big packing day. The Church and Community Center wrote online: "Though it is a heartbreaking reality that some of our kids go without food on breaks and weekends, this program helps us in our ultimate aim to eradicate hunger in Robeson for people of all ages, starting with the smallest."

School board head Tre Britt came to watch and support the work. In a surprise move, Brianna Goodwin from the Church and Community Center gave extra funds to Tanglewood Elementary. The money will help kids go on field trips and join in school activities.

Want to pitch in? The McKinney-Vento office runs the program now. Call 910-671-6000 extension 3331 to find out how you can help feed local kids.