Recently, the Archbold Rotary Club learned about an important initiative called Backpack Buddies at Archbold Elementary School. This program packs non-perishable food items for students in kindergarten through fourth grade to take home each Friday, ensuring they have enough to eat over the weekend. Additionally, once a month, these packs include personal hygiene items.
The inspiration for Backpack Buddies came from a simple conversation. Heather Trowbridge, a concerned parent, shared how her son mentioned a classmate’s family struggling to provide food on weekends. This motivated her to talk with Archbold Elementary School principal Andrea Thiel over the summer. They realized it was a pressing issue that needed to be addressed.
With support from local businesses and community members, Backpack Buddies was born. Volunteers collect non-perishable food items like fruits, vegetables, and snacks. They also gather hygiene items. Each week, around 49 backpacks are filled and sent home discreetly; only the school knows which families are receiving assistance.
Interestingly, there are no income requirements to benefit from the program. Families simply need to express their need. At the beginning of the school year, all elementary families are made aware of Backpack Buddies, encouraging them to ask for help if they need it or contribute if they can.
This program highlights the power of community and empathy. According to a 2022 USDA report, nearly 10% of American households with children experienced food insecurity. Programs like Backpack Buddies play a crucial role in mitigating that issue at a local level.
Local businesses are also stepping up. Collection bins for food and hygiene items can be found at various spots in Archbold, including Pennycrest, F&M Bank, and Dollar General. There’s even an Amazon wishlist for those who prefer to contribute this way. Cash donations are also welcomed, ensuring Backpack Buddies can continue helping families in need.
For more updates, you can follow the Backpack Buddies program on their Facebook page: [Archbold Backpack Buddies](https://www.facebook.com/ArchboldBackpackBuddies). The community’s commitment to supporting one another is evident, and initiatives like this make a real difference for families in Archbold.
