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THE NEED
THE NEED
Approximately 50% of Radford City Public School children qualify for free lunch. As a result, an increased need for weekend food was identified by Radford City Public School principals and guidance counselors to support food insecure students. Bobcat Backpacks was created in January 2016 as an autonomous program run by community members with the support of the schools and the Radford community. At that time, 65 students were served in all Radford City Schools through the school year. Now in 2019, the Bobcat Backpacks Program provides weekend food for 170 RCPS students throughout the school year and summer months. We also stock food pantries for intermediate and high school and provide snacks for the two elementary schools.
THE MISSION
THE MISSION
Our mission is to "Leave No Bobcat Hungry." To do this we obtain funding to not only continue our program, through grants and donations, but to increase the number of children served as well as the nutritional value of the food provided. Our goal is to include the Radford City community and Radford University community to best serve our Bobcats in need.
THE COST
THE COST
Providing 180 weekend bags of food costs approximately $1,350 each week and around $62,000 a year. The food pantries at the intermediate and high school cost approximately $250 a month. Purchased food comes from the Radford Food Lion and Feeding America - Southwest Virginia, that are able to sell their food to us at a reduced cost. Housed at the Presbyterian Church of Radford, volunteers bag meals for 180 Radford City Schools students every week. Included are 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and snacks.
THE VOLUNTEERS
THE VOLUNTEERS
Bobcat Backpacks is coordinated by three founding directors who are parents of RCPS students. We are supported by hundreds of community members and local organizations. Each week, 20-30 Radford University students, RCPS students and their families, and community members volunteer to pack the weekend food bags in Food Lion grocery bags. Help to achieve our goal of feeding hungry children comes from small and large efforts. From elementary students volunteering to unload food into their school each week to food drives and financial drives organized by community members, we have been able to reach so many in need.
RADFORD UNIVERSITY'S "Radford Gives Back"
RADFORD UNIVERSITY'S "Radford Gives Back"
During Radford University’s Inauguration of President Hemphill in 2016 and again 2017, 2018, and 2019 Radford hosted a campus-wide food drive for Bobcat Backpacks on it’s day of service initiative called Radford Gives Back. The campus collected over 14,000 food items in the first year and over 15,000 the following years. This drive provides enough food to cover 1/3 of our yearly budget required for the program.
THE PARTNERS
THE PARTNERS
As a Radford City Schools Partners for Excellence Foundation Partner Project, the founding directors work with local organizations and businesses to earn grants to fund the program. Because of our affiliation with the Foundation, we can accept tax deductible donations. Our partnership with Radford's Food Lion has been a huge part of our success. Food Lion's dedication to help us achieve our mission is unmatched. Bobcat Backpacks is a Feeding America Partner Agency as well. Bobcat Backpacks has been able to grow through the generosity of Radford City Schools, residents, businesses, grants, local churches, food drives, and Radford University.
THE WAYS TO HELP
THE WAYS TO HELP
Financial Donations: Go Fund Me page (link below) or mail a check to:
Radford City Schools Partners for Excellence Foundation, Attn: Bobcat Backpacks, PO Box 355, Radford, VA 24143
Food Drives can be organized by your organization, church, business, or community group. Please see our food list to guide your collections.
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