Monthly Newsletter | September 2021
Fast Facts:

Did you know Blessings in a Backpack food meets USDA standards for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program? Our menu items are good sources of protein, low in sodium and sugar, and made with whole grains!

In addition, the food we serve does not require refrigeration, needs little to no preparation, and is peanut-free. Since some children do not have access to appliances or a can opener, the food is easy to open and ready to eat! Click here to learn more about the food we serve.
Request a Maddi's Fridge Piggy Bank:

In the children's storybook Maddi's Fridge, Sofia puts food in her backpack to share with friend Maddi, who has little food at home. We invite you and your little ones to do the same! 

For a limited time, you can click here to request a refrigerator-shaped piggy bank and stickers so your family can collect money to donate to Blessings in a Backpack.
Don't own a copy of Maddi's Fridge? No problem! A few of Blessings in a Backpack's favorite people have read the book and you can watch the videos on our website! Click here to watch with your family. 
What's Ahead:

October 1
Rancho Cordova, California

October 4–10
Jacksonville, Florida

October 14
Waukesha, Wisconsin

November 6
New Albany, Indiana

November 30
Giving Tuesday
Nationwide

Are you hosting an event or fundraiser for Blessings in a Backpack? Let us know by completing the form on our website!
Core News:

Blessings in a Backpack partnered with viral Bronx-based TikTok influencer Ahmed Alawn, better known as “itsMedyy,” for a community appreciation giveaway event to celebrate the new school year. This event provided 300 free backpacks full of food and school supplies to local children in the Bronx area. Recipients were under 18 years old.

“It’s important to make sure kids have food because I know what it’s like to be hungry,” said Alawn. “Part of our religion is to fast the whole day for a month, and we get to feel what it’s like to be hungry. I feel like no kid should go through that, so it’s only right to help.”
Alawn also started a fundraiser with a goal of $10,000 for Blessings in a Backpack, encouraging his followers to donate and help feed children in need. The funds will go toward helping Blessings in a Backpack continue to feed food-insecure children in 46 states and Washington D.C., including New York. Click here to read more!
Become a Mission Ambassador:
Calling all students who want to get involved with Blessings in a Backpack! We want YOU to be a mission ambassador!

By signing up, you are taking the initiative to help feed children within your community while fulfilling service hours and networking with other students who share the same passion! Go to our website to get started.
Good Apples:
Roberto Clemente Foundation Feeds 100 Kids in Pittsburgh

Major League Baseball holds Roberto Clemente Day every year, an event designed to recognize "The Great One" and humanitarian efforts happening around the sport. This year, Blessings in a Backpack was honored to be part of the week.

Read more
www.blessingsinabackpack.org
Trey Mancini and Brent Suter nominated for 2021 Roberto Clemente Award
The Roberto Clemente Award is given to the player who “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and the individual’s contribution to the team.” This year, Blessings in a Backpack supporters Trey Mancini, Baltimore Orioles, and Brent Suter, Milwaukee Brewers, are nominated to win the honor.

Backpacks, furniture, & more given to Central Florida School

An Orlando area school was surprised with backpacks, furniture, and more. It was all thanks to a partnership between Vera Bradley and the nonprofit organization Blessings in a Backpack.

Read more
www.blessingsinabackpack.org
The CEOs feeding the children of America

CEO Today Magazine talks about the amazing work done by the Blessings in a Backpack charity through speaking to its former and current CEOs—Brooke Wiseman and Erin Kerr.

Read more
www.ceotodaymagazine.com
Darlington Raceway, NASCAR Kids host Blessings in a Backpack

Before the roar of the engines sounded at Darlington Raceway, track staff and volunteers gathered at the Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum on Friday for a packing event with Blessings in a Backpack.

Read more
www.blessingsinabackpack.org
New Albany leaders volunteer to pack food for Blessings

Last year, the redevelopment commission approved $35,000 in funding for Blessings in a Backpack using money from the CARES Act. Knable encourages community members to volunteer with Blessing in a Backpack.

Read more
www.blessingsinabackpack.org
Thank You to Our Donors:
Reflects giving from April 1, 2021 to June 30, 2021
$100,000 and Up
$75,000 to $99,999
Community Foundation of Greater Rochester

$50,000 to $74,999
Fabletics
Fifth Third Bank
Town of Brookhaven Long Island

$25,000 to $49,999 
Nick Advani
Blessings in a Backpack Fort Wayne
The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida
The Kahlert Foundation, Inc.
New Albany Floyd County Education Foundation, Inc. 

$15,000 to $24,999 
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Bank Five Nine – Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Beaches Community Fund- Northeast Florida
Cigna Foundation
Cummins Engine Plant
Delores Barr Legacy Weaver Fund at the Community Foundation
of Northeast Florida
Jim and Tabitha Furyk Foundation, Inc.
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
Eric S. Lane
The League Club, Inc.
The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation
Spartan Kids Foundation
Sysco Corporation
Thomas Coffee
The Tommy Bohanon Foundation, Inc.
United Parcel Service – Jacksonville Employees
United Parcel Service – Jacksonville Giving

$10,000 to $14,999 
Arby's Foundation
Capital Group
 Cahill Homes
Chicago Sinai Congregation
Hugh A. Fraser Fund
United Way of Frederick County, Inc.
William G. Gilmore Foundation
Hausmann-Johnson Insurance, Inc.- Diana Schmidt, Principal
Heisley Family Foundation
United Way of Lee County
Meijer, Inc.
The Rich Foundation
Stopher Elementary PTA
Texas Capital Bank
Twilio
West Bay Community Charitable Foundation, Inc.