Guest Blogger: Chris Madsen, CompHealth
Blessings in a Backpack is a nonprofit organization that was formed to ensure that elementary aged children do not go hungry over the weekend. Many students in impoverished areas rely on their school for breakfast and lunch. And, in some cases, those may be the only meals they eat each day.
When we began volunteering with Blessings, we were able to send food home over the weekend for 50 students at Majestic Elementary school here in Utah. Now, three years into the program with that school, we have been able to increase that number to over 100 students who get food sent home in their backpacks each week. The food is given to them anonymously so that they are not the target of any unwanted attention and many of them use the food to help feed more than just themselves.
Earlier this year we had the opportunity to partner with Sysco foods to provide the students and their families with 25 pounds of food including fresh produce, milk, eggs and cheese. The look on their faces as they received the food and them knowing that they were going to have meals was unforgettable and honestly something that seems like no child should have to experience.
My wife and I began this journey about three years ago after seeing a commercial for Blessings. We did some investigating to understand where the greatest need was and then found a school that needed this program. We decided to commit to supporting the school for a minimum of 3 years.
The reason that I personally feel so passionate about this program and this cause is because I can’t imagine being in a position where I could not provide for my family. They are the reason that I do everything and if there is a way that I can extend how blessed I have been in my life to pick others up, then that is what I should do. I can’t turn the other cheek knowing that there are kids going hungry over the weekend and knowing that with some time and effort I can make a difference for them. I am so grateful to the Making A Difference Foundation for offering Local Grants and grateful that they chose our cause to support, so that we can ensure more kids can get the food they need to survive and thrive in their lives.
