In order to provide nutritious food to students in need of it during the weekends, Rockwood recently started the “Got Your Backpack” program. Each weekend, participating students receive a backpack filled with nutritious food items that are easy to open, simple to prepare and can accommodate a variety of home circumstances. While some may be unaware of the need for this program, homelessness touches nearly every school in the district. In fact, current numbers show 135 Rockwood students are homeless with 32 percent of students residing in the county and 68 percent residing in the city.
“For students living in poverty, the inability to obtain food is a major concern as it affects their ability to be successful in the classroom,” said Terry Harris, coordinator of Rockwood’s educational equity and diversity department. “We know it’s particularly hard to receive food during the weekends, so we hope to minimize this challenge with the support of this program.”
According to Harris, Got Your Backpack is structured in an organic way whereby each school is responsible for its students. While parent-teacher organizations will provide significant support for this program, Rockwood staff members and community members are asked to assist.
Individual donations may be dropped off at any Rockwood school or to Terry Harris at 111 East North St. in Eureka. Items requested include: bread, oatmeal, peanut butter, jelly, tuna, macaroni and cheese, pasta and spaghetti sauce, fresh fruit and applesauce. Gift cards to purchase these items are also appreciated. For more information, please contact the department of educational equity and diversity at 636.733.2177.