“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children in Fannin County and the surrounding area,” Jeanie May wrote to introduce Champions for Children, this year’s night when Snack in a Backpack honored community members and raised funds.
May, chairman of the Snack board, talked of how Snack in a Backpack’s work would not be possible without the generosity of sponsors, dedicated donors, agency partners and steadfast volunteers.
Each week during the school year 500 bags are packed with six meals each for local students. Mike Nunnally, a former Snack board member, talked of the importance of these meals considering 70 percent of Fannin County students qualify for free or reduced priced meals
Besides the weekly school meals, a summer meal program is coordinated to fill the needs of many hungry children.
Nunnally described Snack’s work as, “A great mission, it feeds kids.”
Talking about the effort required, he said, “The harder we work, the luckier we get...the beneficiaries are our children.”
A former board members, Nunnally praised the efforts of Executive Director Deby Beck who handles her duties “with grace and efficiency.”
Three “champions” were singled out by Snack during the ceremony.
Feed Fannin was named the Community Champion, recognized as, “Instrumental in the early days of Snack in a Backpack, Feed Fannin has supported local food initiatives for over 15 years. Feed Fannin is a key partner in the summer meals program. Their efforts ensure children and families served by Snack in a Backpack have access to fresh, nutritious produce.”
A.D. Frazier Jr., was recognized as the Children’s Champion. The late “generous benefactor,” as he was described, served on the board of Fannin County Family Connection, and was a contributor to Toys for Tots, Feed Fannin, and Snack in a Backpack.
“Loyal contributions to Snack in a Backpack from A.D. and his wife Sha over the years helped ensure that many Fannin children in need did not go hungry. A.D. is greatly missed,” the night’s program said.
The Media Champion Award went to The News Observer/Glenn Harbison.
The local newspaper was touted as a “vital source of information for Fannin County and the Copper Basin area.
“Week after week, Glenn elevates awareness of community causes, regularly highlighting organizations working to improve children’s lives. Glenn’s concern for those in need can be observed each week through his heartfelt reporting.
“The News Observer team proactively monitors Snack in a Backpack...connecting the organization with the community at critical moments.”
Mercier Orchards received a special thanks as a generous partner that has supported Snack in a Backpack from its beginning. They donate more than eight tons of apples every school year. “It is a blessing to serve children fresh fruit that we would not otherwise have the resources to deliver,” the night’s program noted.
Last year, Snack in a Backpack distributed more than 122,500 meals with each meal costing approximately $5.75. The organization relies 100% on donations for feed children in need.
To donate, send a check to P.O. Box 2123, Blue Ridge, Georgia, 30513, or visit www.snackinabackpack.org.
For more information, contact Beck at backpackfannin@gmail.com or call 706-851-8174.