Combating Hunger and Feeding Effingham IL Unit 40 School Children

Our Mission

To combat childhood hunger in Effingham Unit 40 Schools, one student, one bag at a time.

Blessings in a Backpack is a charitable organization created to feed elementary school children whose families qualify for the federally-funded free and reduced price meal program. While they receive breakfast and lunches at school on the weekdays, many of these children have little or no access to food over the weekends.

Real hunger exists in our community, as an invisible problem. Today, 50% of students in the Effingham Unit 40 School District are eligible for free and reduced breakfast and lunch. Hunger does not stop for these children on the weekends.

Blessings in a Backpack - Effingham began in the 2013-14 school year feeding 130 children, and ended that year feeding more than 200 children.  During the current school year, the group is packing bags with six to seven food items per week for nearly 500. Currently, volunteers are delivering bags to eight area schools, serving children from three years of age through junior high.

Blessings in a Backpack - Effingham relies on funding from generous organizations and individuals to fill bags with food and deliver them to children in need. The tremendous growth of the program would not be possible without the generous support of you, our donors. Every dollar received goes directly to feed local children. Your contributions to Blessings in a Backpack - Effingham IL help to combat hunger and make a brighter future for these children.

Partner with us to experience the Power of 80. Just $80 - 100 will supply food to one student during the weekends for the entire 38-week school year.

Together we are Feeding the Future of Effingham Unit 40 Schools!