Imperial Valley Food Bank to add school supplies to its Weekend Backpack Program

According to the Imperial Valley Food Bank, one out of three students in the Imperial County doesn’t have enough food for the weekend.

Stefani Campos, Development Assistant for the Imperial Valley Food Bank said, “So it can really be anyone. It can be a high school football player. It could be a cheerleader. It could be a pre-schooler. So we really know there’s a huge need, and we would love to increase our number.”

The agency’s weekend backpack program helps feed 700 students for the school year.

The agency’s program assistant, Ariana Ochoa said “they’re ready to go on Monday to learn something new at school. Without that bag, it’ll be difficult to return back and pay attention to learn something new.”

Campos said this year they hope to add school supplies to each backpack.

“Creat more disposable income for the families who participate. We understand that they’re on a limited budget. So if they’re going to choose between school supplies and food, this way they can add food to their monthly supplies.”

But the food bank is asking the community to lend a helping hand to make that happen.

Campos added, “Now we are collecting pencils, notebooks, erasers, and a box of 24 crayons. We’ve already collected 1000 pencils. We’re trying to collect 700 of each because we provide 700 backpacks to the schools. “

For more information on how to drop off school supplies or donate to the Weekend Backpack Program can click here for more information.