PORT HADLOCK — A new season of helping the Chimacum Backpacks For Kids program is underway after a couple dozen volunteers got to work filling 74 bags with a weekend of nutrition for kids in Chimacum schools.
The nonprofit is working with the Tri-Area Food Bank and the Jefferson Community Foundation to provide weekend meals and support for at-risk children in the community.
A group of community volunteers has committed to gather once a week throughout the school year at the Tri-Area Food Bank at 760 Chimacum Road to fill sacks with six meals: two each of dinners, lunches, breakfasts, beverages and snacks.
Board Chairman Marilyn Charwell said the group tries to make the meals varied and balanced to get the kids through the weekends.
“For instance, this week we have chili and soup, mac & cheese, Cup O’ Noodles, two dairy — pudding and milk — granola bars and juice, instant oatmeal, cold cereal and a fruit cup.”
Most of these kids are on the school lunch program so they receive meals through the week.
Charwell said the group spends about $6 per bag. They are distributed to the primary, elementary, middle, and high school by two volunteers.
Janie Redifer, who is the school liaison, said the schools provides her with the number of bags they need each week.
“We work very closely with the schools to identify students,” Redifer said.
Volunteer Peggy Welker said the group does its own own procurement of food, and they are completely funded by private donations.
Backpack For Kids began in 2010 when Peace Lutheran Fellowship made the program its local mission and the congregation funded the program.
In the beginning, they were sending home 10 bags a week. As the need grew, grants were written to generate more funds. Because of the growing need in the community, and with the church affiliation posing some problems for grant eligibility, the group decided in 2018 to become its own charity.
Mike Booch, manager of the Tri-Area Food Bank, said because they are now their own nonprofit, he can help with space.
“The kids that benefit from the backpack program are members of the families that we serve with the food bank,” Booch said. “Providing support is a very natural extension to the things we do.”
“Yesterday, over 550 people came to the food bank and that represented 200 families. Kids are members of those families. This program is just another way we can get food to the kids and families in need.”
Booch said he’s happy to give the program space in the warehouse.
“The Jefferson County Food Bank Association owns the property and I operate it as the manger of the Tri-Area Food Bank. All four food banks can store food in this warehouse. It has extra capacity so providing space for the backpack program isn’t a problem.
“As long as they’re here, I hope we’ll be able to provide support and expertise.”
As a fundraiser, the group will hold the fourth annual BrewFest By The Bay at the Port Ludlow Bay Club, 120 Spinnaker Place, on Oct. 6, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Beer and hard cider, brats, CB’s Nuts and cupcakes by Bella Bella Bakery will be offered, along with music from Steelhead, playing from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and The Alternators playing from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickers are now on sale at the Port Ludlow Bay Club and Beach Club, or they can be purchased at the door the day of the event. They are $25 for 6 tasting tickets and $10 for a designated driver or non-alcoholic beverage drinker.
According to statistics provided by the organization, two out of three children in the Chimacum School District rely on the school’s free and reduced meal programs for their daily nutrition during the school week.
Throughout the summer, 400 bags were packed and distributed to the Jefferson County Library and the Irondale Church for weekly distribution for community children.
For more information on the program, visit chimacumbackpacksforkids.com.
________
Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladailynews.com.
Volunteers pack weekend kid meals for the Chimacum Backpacks for Kids program. The non-profit stores its food at the Tri-County Food Bank and volunteers gather Thursday mornings to prepare the bags and deliver them to the schools for distribution. (Jeannie McMacken/Peninsula Daily News)
