Micah’s Backpack is a Ministry that helps food-insecure children eat more healthy meals and snacks through a partnership between their school and a local sponsoring church or organization. The program was initiated by St. Michael Lutheran Church in Blacksburg, Virginia, and brought to Washington County by Trinity Lutheran Church in 2010 with the Biblical basis of Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” In 2012, Hagerstown Area Religious Council (HARC) joined the effort to bring additional sponsors to the program and seek grants. Maryland Food Bank Western Branch also partnered to provide low-cost food options. The program has grown to serve more than 1,150 children in 37 schools and involves partnerships with more than 50 churches and community organizations. More than 10,000 students in Washington County Public Schools are currently eligible for free or reduced lunches and for many this lunch will be the last hot meal of the day. Students who are eligible to participate in Micah’s Backpack are identified by the school principal and a designated school staff member such as the counselor, social worker, or community liaison. A permission form is provided for the parent/guardian of each eligible student by the principal or designated school staff member. The form must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the school before a child may participate. Middle and High Schools are exempted from permission slips to add flexibility for serving homeless students. Confidentiality of program participants is maintained by the school. Each week during the school year, the eligible students receive a bag filled with enough food for the weekend. The bags include two dinners, two lunches, two breakfasts, two fruits, and two healthy snacks. Additional food is also provided to the students for extended holiday and scheduled school closures. Volunteers from First Christian Church pack and deliver the bags, and the partner schools distribute the bags to the students. With the financial support, food donations, and volunteer time of our members, First Christian Church is proud to currently sponsor 50 students across two local schools. However, the need is great. No child should go hungry. With your support, First Christian Church looks forward to increasing our local sponsorship to a minimum of 60 eligible students in the upcoming school year.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact us!
