Snack in a Backpack has increased their distribution by 30% due to the effects of COVID-19 on the Fannin County community.
Executive Director Debby Beck explained that schools and businesses being closed, children staying at home, and many parents being out of work has necessitated this increase.
“We are partnering with the Fannin County School System to deliver 700 to 900 meal bags each week and the demand is growing higher week by week,” Beck said. “We have increased our inventory to meet the demand, procuring what we can from the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and Georgia Nutritional Assistance Program (GNAP). With only a handful of volunteers, we are following safety guidelines, social distancing, wearing masks and gloves as we pack meal bags.”
Each food bag contains two breakfast cereals/oatmeal, two protein entrees (Mac & Cheese, beef stew, chili, or beans & franks), two milk boxes, fruit (fresh, dried, or fruit cup), two fruit & grain bars, and one snack (pudding cup or peanut butter crackers). The cost to fill a bag is $3.50, and each bag includes four meals.
“Our weekly costs are approximately $3,150,” Beck said. “We don’t know how long sheltering in place will last or when school will reopen. There is a great need here and you can help us meet the increased demand and cover the additional food costs by donating now at snackinabackpack.org.”