In a recent presentation to the Rock Hill School District, students Gavin Whiston and Isaac Phillips highlighted their project addressing food insecurity among children in their community. The initiative, which began in October 2023, aims to raise awareness about local resources available to families facing nutritional gaps.

Whiston and Phillips revealed alarming statistics: approximately 70% of students in the Rock Hill School District qualify for free lunch, underscoring the prevalence of food insecurity. Their project, supported by the Backpack Buddies program, sought to inform 1,346 families about available nutritional resources and to fill the gaps in food supply for children.

The students set a budget of $200, donating $100 to Backpack Buddies and allocating funds for educational materials, including a book titled \"Saturday at the Food Pantry,\" which addresses the stigma associated with seeking food assistance. They also distributed flyers and established a \"blessing box\" at Rock Hill High School, encouraging community members to take what they need and give what they can.

Data collected during the project revealed a growing need for supplemental food resources, with Backpack Buddies projecting an increase in the distribution of food bags for the upcoming school year. The students reported positive community engagement, with over 200 families receiving information about food resources during a parent-teacher conference.

The project not only aimed to alleviate immediate food insecurity but also sought to foster a supportive environment for students who may feel ashamed of needing assistance. Whiston and Phillips expressed their hope that the FCCLA club will continue this important work in the future, emphasizing the community's collective responsibility to address the nutritional needs of its children.