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His teacher leaned closer and whispered, \u201cI made sure they packed extra\u2026 just in case you share with your little brothers and big sister again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Johnny zipped the backpack and slid a strap over each shoulder. Though the weight of the food \u2014 enough to sustain him for several days \u2014 pressed against his tiny spine, his shoulders straightened and he felt at least three inches taller as he walked to his desk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Backpacks similar to the one Johnny received are available to children enrolled in Bedford County schools thanks to private and corporate donations, local businesses, churches, a grant through Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, the United Way, and federal funding through the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. It costs between $7 and $10 to fill each backpack with nutritious food, but this ensures no child goes hungry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A small army of volunteers gathers to sort, pack, and prepare the food. Many never meet the children they serve, yet they show up faithfully, knowing that a simple bag of snacks and meals can make a weekend feel steadier for a child in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Social Emotional Learning and Mental Health Supervisor for Bedford County Schools, Lindsay Wiley, said, \u201cChildren are happy to receive snacks and meals for the weekend. Children look forward to having their backpacks because they have less stress and less worry regarding what they will eat while not in school. Parents are thankful for the support, and teachers are grateful knowing their students are supported for the weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Under the McKinney-Vento Act, children are considered homeless if they are staying with relatives, living in tents, campgrounds, cars, motels, shelters, transitional or emergency housing, or other temporary arrangements due to financial or other hardships. This qualifies them to receive a backpack. They may also receive one if parents or caregivers request they be added to the program, or if a social worker, school counselor, or their teacher makes a request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a county where many families work long hours yet still struggle to cover rising housing and other costs, food insecurity often remains hidden. When a need is discovered or help is requested, teachers and counselors see the difference these backpacks make. Children are more focused, more rested, and better able to learn because their basic needs were met throughout the weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/goodnewsmags.com\/shelbyville\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2026\/03\/3-4-1024x683.jpg\")
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