How 2017's 10 backpacks grew into a program feeding thousands in Metro Atlanta

Image: Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta began in 2017 with a small group of volunteers at a single local elementary school, packing nonperishable food for children who faced food insecurity over the weekend. The first distribution served just 10 students. Nine years later, the organisation provides weekend meals to thousands of children across dozens of schools throughout metro Atlanta. Here's how a small volunteer effort grew into a regional programme, and what it takes to keep it running today.How Backpack Buddies started with 10 backpacksThe programme's story began at one local elementary school, where volunteers gathered each week to pack nonperishable food for children facing weekend food insecurity. According to the Backpack Buddies of Metro Atlanta, the bags were discreetly delivered to the school so students could take food home in their backpacks without drawing attention to their circumstances. The idea behind it was simple, if children couldn't rely on school meals over the weekend, the community could help make sure food was available at home. That first distribution reached just 10 students, laying the groundwork for what would grow f...