Green Local Schools hears Blessings in a Backpack presentation; program seeks to expand discreet off‑site pickups
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Summary
At the November board meeting, a Blessings in a Backpack representative said the district has about 1,000 children at or below the poverty line but the program currently serves under 200; the group introduced distribution centers (library, Goodwill, fire station) to reduce stigma and discussed outreach to middle and high school students.
A representative of the local Blessings in a Backpack program presented to the Green Local Schools Board of Education on the group’s effort to reach students facing food insecurity, and described a pilot expansion of off‑site distribution centers intended to reduce stigma.
"Right now in Greene, we have about 1,000 children who are living at or below the poverty level," the presenter said, and added the current program is "servicing under 200" of those children. The speaker described launching distribution centers at the public library, Goodwill and the fire station so students can pick up a bag without being identified at school.
Board members and district staff asked operational questions. The presenter said students do not need to show proof; a student can "just go in and ask" and request a bag, and the program also offers Supper Smiles dinner bags at some sites. The presenter told the board most elementary students continue to accept in‑school distribution but that participation drops around fourth or fifth grade and declines through high school. She said two students were currently using off‑site centers and emphasized the program is working to improve awareness and discretion.
Board members suggested student‑led outreach and in‑school education to reduce stigma. One board member urged involving student groups to "knock down some of those barriers" so peers feel comfortable taking food when they need it.
The district superintendent and several board members thanked the volunteers and noted the program’s longstanding presence in the community. The presenter said the program has run locally for 14 years and that organizers will continue to refine distribution methods to reach more children.
The board did not take formal action on the program during the meeting; the presentation was informational and followed by a question‑and‑answer session.