Mission
The Backpack Meals program supports children attending Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) who receive free/reduced breakfast and lunch, and are identified by the school Guidance Counselors as needing additional food resources over the weekend throughout the school year. With the help of a team of dedicated volunteers, we pack and deliver food to the participating schools to be given to the children by school administrators.
History
In the fall of 2009, several women in our congregation researched the idea of providing supplemental pre-packaged, non-perishable food items to elementary students in Crofton who participate in the free/reduced breakfast and lunch program (FARM) in AACPS. Teena Sallustio, with the support of Sue Goodall, modeled this program after one coordinated by members of Heritage Baptist Church on Forest Drive, Annapolis.
Impact
During the 2021-22 school year, the Community UMC Backpack Meals program served over 65 students weekly at Nantucket, Crofton Woods, and Crofton Elementary schools. In October 2022, we will add students at Crofton Meadows to our program. During the 2022-2023 school year, we will serve approximately 80 students across four elementary schools.