Given the pandemic, the BackPack Program has seen an increase in the number of families it is serving on a weekly basis and program donations are down significantly from previous years.
The first year the BackPack program operated, we received $19,000 in donations. Last year, we received $17,000, and this year we have only received $6,600. The remaining funds rolled over from last year have been used up and now we only have roughly $3,900 left in the account. This means the program has funds to purchase one more month of food.
During school closures due to COVID-19, the BackPack Program is being offered in partnership with the Gorham School Nutrition Program. Families may pick up one bag per week for each child in their household (regardless of age) at any of the four locations throughout Gorham from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Photos courtesy of Gorham BackPack ProgramBackPack bags, ready for distribution, were packed
by volunteers during school closure. A thank you goes to Kristin Wentworth, Brandy Water, Donna Perrault, Rich Obrey, Buffy Houp, and Bill and Wendy Couch.
Any changes in the nutrition program will be communicated in Superintendent Heather Perry’s blog updates. If you need additional support, please contact the Gorham Food Pantry at 222-4351.
The BackPack Program helps Gorham students who are suffering from the effects of hunger with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to eat during weekends and school vacations when those crucial school meals are unavailable. Please consider helping students experiencing food insecurity.
Photo courtesy of Gorham BackPack ProgramOperation Feed Gorham volunteers distributing BackPack bags: Heather Whitaker (Gorham Middle School), Jim McQuinn (Great Falls), Joan Anderson (Great Falls) Brandy Waters (parent volunteer), Heather Chadbourne (Great Falls), and Deidre Hamblen (Village).
Community members are encouraged to follow the Gorham BackPack Program on Facebook to receive up-to-date information about needs.
Donation checks can be made out to: Gorham School Department with BackPack Program written in the memo line. A receipt will be mailed for tax purposes. Please send to: Hollis Cobb, Finance Officer, Gorham School Department, 75 South Street, Gorham, Maine 04038.