Bobcat Backpacks Program
In January of 2016, increased need for weekend food was identified by Radford City Public School principals and guidance counselors. Bobcat Backpacks was created as an autonomous program run by community members who were willing and able to dedicate the time and energy to running a successful program. At that time we served to 65 students throughout all Radford City Schools.
As of the 2019-20 school year, the number of students served has increased to 150+ students receiving weekend food and 50+ getting snacks from our pantry at Radford High School and Dalton Intermediate. Bobcat Backpacks has been able to grow through the generosity of Radford City Schools, residents, businesses, grants, local churches, food drives, and Radford University. "Radford City Schools Partners for Excellence Foundation" is the charitable organization Bobcat Backpacks works under, meaning all donations are tax deductible.
Cost per week is about $1,100. Purchased food comes from the Radford Food Lion, which is able to sell their food to us tax free. Housed at the Presbyterian Church of Radford, volunteers bag meals for 150+ Radford City Schools students every week. Included are 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and snacks. We also provide food and snack pantries at Dalton Intermediate and Radford High Schools.
As a part of Radford University’s Inauguration of President Hemphill in 2015, RU raised food items for the Bobcat Backpacks Program on its "Radford Gives Back" day of service initiative. Every year, the entire campus works toward this goal of feeding Radford City's hungry children together and we're thrilled to be a part of this effort.
Our goal is to 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.
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As of the 2019-20 school year, the number of students served has increased to 150+ students receiving weekend food and 50+ getting snacks from our pantry at Radford High School and Dalton Intermediate. Bobcat Backpacks has been able to grow through the generosity of Radford City Schools, residents, businesses, grants, local churches, food drives, and Radford University. "Radford City Schools Partners for Excellence Foundation" is the charitable organization Bobcat Backpacks works under, meaning all donations are tax deductible.
Cost per week is about $1,100. Purchased food comes from the Radford Food Lion, which is able to sell their food to us tax free. Housed at the Presbyterian Church of Radford, volunteers bag meals for 150+ Radford City Schools students every week. Included are 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and snacks. We also provide food and snack pantries at Dalton Intermediate and Radford High Schools.
As a part of Radford University’s Inauguration of President Hemphill in 2015, RU raised food items for the Bobcat Backpacks Program on its "Radford Gives Back" day of service initiative. Every year, the entire campus works toward this goal of feeding Radford City's hungry children together and we're thrilled to be a part of this effort.
Our goal is to 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.
Find us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram
