Backpack Program
Hunger is a very real problem right here in our community.
On average, 45% of students in Davidson County schools and 85% of students in Lexington City schools are receiving free/reduced lunch. That means hundreds of our kids rely almost exclusively on the breakfast and lunch they receive Monday through Friday at school for nourishment.
Studies show that children who go hungry …
- Are more likely to get sick. As a result, they miss more days of school and are less prepared to learn when they are able to attend.
- Are more likely to have poor mental health, be socially disruptive and develop behavioral disorders.
- Show higher levels of aggression and hyperactivity.
- Have lower test scores and poor overall academic achievement.
We can do something about it.
CIS currently supports Backpack Programs in 4 Davidson County schools and 6 Lexington City schools.
As part of the program, 50 kids at each school take home a backpack full of kid-friendly food every weekend of the school year. Students are chosen to participate in the program by their teachers and administrators. They must be on free/reduced lunch and they must have permission from their parents to participate.
It costs $5 to feed a hungry child for one weekend and just $200 to feed a child for an entire school year.
YOU can help sustain existing programs and open new ones by making an online donation. Or send a check to PO Box 177, Lexington, NC 27293 and specify “Backpack Program” on the memo line.
Lexington City Schools Backpack Program effort
If you would like to fill out a pledge card to help sustain backpack programs in all 6 Lexington City schools, download the PDF file here and mail it to the CIS office along with a voided check. Call 336-242-1520 to learn more about how members of the Lexington community have taken ownership of the issue of childhood hunger.
