Council approves $10,000 for Blessings in a Backpack to feed students on weekends

The Floyd County Council voted to provide $10,000 to Blessings in a Backpack of Floyd County after a presentation from the group about growing local need.

"Our mission is to provide a food-stable environment for qualifying families with children in the New Albany–Floyd County Schools," Jenny Olmstead said, introducing Allison Pruitt, who detailed the program's reach. Pruitt told the council nearly 46% of New Albany–Floyd County students live in food-insecure homes and that the program recently added seventh and eighth grades in January to avoid leaving older siblings without support. "If you were to give that, that would pay for 2,680 meals for the school year," she said, asking the council for $10,000.

Council members asked about other funding sources; Pruitt said the group has previously received support from the city of New Albany (about $40,000 this year) and planned to apply to the Legacy Foundation again and pursue a CDBG grant. After questions about past city contributions and fundraising plans, a council member moved to approve the requested appropriation; the motion carried after a voice vote.

The appropriation was presented as an additional appropriation to the appropriate fund and will be recorded as such in county accounts. Council members praised the nonprofit's volunteer work and asked staff to note prior and anticipated outside funding sources. The council closed the matter with a majority vote approving the $10,000 contribution.

The council did not set conditions on the use of the funds beyond the nonprofit's stated purpose; county staff noted the donation would be applied to program costs, including food procurement and volunteer support. The council recorded no dissenting motion on this item.

The council moved on to other appropriations and grant matters after voting on the request.