Snack in a Backpack working to meet growing needs

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  • Snack in a Backpack has increased their meal distribution by 30% in response to the need the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. The organization is currently in need of donations to continue meeting the needs of Fannin County children. Shown are, from left, front, Executive Director Debby Beck and Vicki Smith; back, Paul Pangborn, Fred Wright and June Pangborn.
    Snack in a Backpack has increased their meal distribution by 30% in response to the need the COVID-19 pandemic has caused. The organization is currently in need of donations to continue meeting the needs of Fannin County children. Shown are, from left, front, Executive Director Debby Beck and Vicki Smith; back, Paul Pangborn, Fred Wright and June Pangborn.
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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.”