BACKPACK BUDDIES FOUNDATION OF LOUDOUN INC

The Backpack Buddies Foundation of Loudoun, Inc. (BBFL) exists to fund, facilitate, and educate existing and potential weekend food programs in Loudoun County. Mission StatementThe Backpack Buddies Foundation of Loudoun, Inc (BBFL) is dedicated to financially supporting all the Backpack Buddy programs in the County and to share learnings about program administration by collaboration. We provide financial donations, food and a forum for discussion. Our goal is to help ensure that no student goes hungry over the weekend...Because hunger doesn't take the weekend off!More About UsSince our start in 2014, five board members have been added to the team who each bring individual experience and talents to the committee. It started with two Leesburg Elementary schools supporting about 275 students, but that was only the tip of the iceberg - our goal was much, much bigger. In Loudoun County there are over 3,000 students who rely on volunteer led food programs over the weekend and extended school breaks. Our Foundation starting taking steps to support those programs, already distributing over $40 THOUSAND in 2017 in support of those amazing volunteers.But the work is not done. As long as there are children that are food insecure we will keep working to make sure that they continue to receive the support they need. There is a lot of hard work left and we are always looking for people to help make sure EVERY child has access to the food they need!A small donation of even $100 feeds nearly 20 children/120 meals over the weekend. Every dollar counts; the Foundation currently gives back about 97 cents for every $1 received. Backpack Buddy program participants confidentially receive bags of food to take home for the weekend that include six meals, two milks and snacks. They also receive multi serving meals to help them over the long school holidays.TestimonialsThe programs we have started have been recognized as the LCPS School-Business Partnership Recognition Award, teams of volunteers in the schools since 2012, currently serving 275 students EACH and EVERY week and growing..."...this could possibly be the most beneficial and meaningful partnership that Evergreen Mill has ever had."- Michael Pellegrino, Principal of Evergreen Mill Elementary School. He is Loudoun County's 2016 Principal of the Year, as well as being Loudoun County's nominee for The Washington Post Distinguished Educational Leader Award. He was one of the first to implement a BPB program at his school in 2012 and has been a strong advocate." Thanks to Backpack Buddies, I at least have something to give my children on the weekends."- Parent of EMES Backpack Buddies Student" I love volunteering for this program because I know my time today will make a difference in the life of a child this weekend. It helps the health and well-being of that child's life, improves the learning atmosphere of their classroom and in our school."- Backpack Buddies Volunteer and EMES Parent.