Pinetop Lakeside youth committee promotes Backpack Snacks to combat local food insecurity

In the heart of Show Low, Arizona, the city council meeting on April 1, 2025, buzzed with youthful energy as members of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) took center stage. Led by Grace Smithson, the group passionately advocated for their initiative, Backpack Snacks, aimed at combating food insecurity among local children.

With a staggering one in seven kids in Navajo County facing hunger, the MYAC highlighted the critical need for support. Many children eligible for free or reduced lunches during the school week return home to empty cupboards over the weekends. Backpack Snacks collects non-perishable food items—ranging from mac and cheese to granola bars—and distributes them to students in the Blue Ridge and Show Low School Districts. Grace shared that the program currently feeds 40 to 50 kids in Blue Ridge and 90 to 100 in Show Low, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in addressing this pressing issue.

The council members responded with enthusiasm, expressing their admiration for the youth's commitment and discussing ways to further support the initiative, including the possibility of placing a donation box in the city hall. The collaborative spirit was palpable, as council members recognized the vital role these young leaders play in shaping a brighter future for their community.

As the meeting progressed, the council also proclaimed April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and Fair Housing Month, reinforcing their commitment to social issues affecting residents. The proclamation for the Week of the Young Child was another highlight, underscoring the importance of early childhood education and the need for quality care and learning environments.

The evening concluded with a sense of unity and purpose, as the council and community members rallied around the shared goal of nurturing and supporting the youngest members of Show Low. The MYAC's heartfelt presentation not only shed light on a critical issue but also inspired hope and action within the community, reminding everyone that together, they can make a difference.