Ebenezer United Methodist Church

Founded 1838 - Sharing God's Love Through Service

WEEKEND BACKPACK BUDDIES PROGRAM

 WHAT – The purpose of the “Backpack Buddies Program” is to provide chronically hungry children who   attend public schools in Westmoreland County with nutritious, nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food during the school year. Every Friday, and on the last day before a school holiday, selected students are discreetly provided food in a bag to take home with them for the weekend. Each bag contains enough food for a child at risk for hunger to assemble into six healthy meals. This program is made possible through a partnership between the Washington District   Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization and the Healthy Harvest Food Bank.

 WHY– The number of disadvantaged children and at-risk children in Westmoreland County Public Schools is   very high compared to neighboring counties. In the 2015-2016 school year approximately 70% of the student   population was classified as disadvantaged and qualifying to receive free or reduced priced lunches. When   children are chronically hungry their focus is on surviving – not learning. Other school divisions that have   implemented similar programs have seen improvements in academic success, positive behavior and school   attendance.

 HOW YOU CAN HELP – This program is only made possible by community support. Please join us in   fighting hunger for our at-risk children by making a financial donation. Checks should be made payable to   Ebenezer United Methodist Church and designated for the Westmoreland County Backpack Program.