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Regional Interfaith Association readies 'Pack the Bus' food drive and expanded snack‑backpack program
Summary
Denise Walton of the Regional Interfaith Association said the 15th annual Pack the Bus food drive runs Saturday across five stores and detailed RIFA’s snack‑backpack program (serving weekend meals to students), senior CSAs, daily pantry selection, and ongoing community outreach.
Denise Walton of the Regional Interfaith Association outlined the group’s food‑security work and the Pack the Bus event on Saturday, Aug. 15, running roughly 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at five locations (Kroger Stonebrook, Kroger University Parkway, Sam’s Club, Walmart South and Food Giant at the ballpark). Volunteers will collect specific kid‑friendly, pop‑top items to fill snack backpacks that go home with children for the weekend.
Walton described program growth: what began as one school and about 25 children has expanded to support roughly 800 children weekly during the school year through snack backpacks and summer bus‑stop meals. The RIFA program also includes Senior Staples (community‑supported agriculture bags for seniors), a soup kitchen, a daily choice pantry and a thrift store. Walton asked for volunteers and cash donations (QR code available at collection sites) and said the organization will gladly provide tours showing donors how funds are used.
"We've got that cute factor" and local volunteers and stores help bag donations, Walton said, adding that referrals come through guidance counselors to get food to children most in need. The segment included website information (rifajackson.org) for additional details and contact information.
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