Snack in a Backpack

Enjoy these sweet faces from weeks 2 & 3 of Summer Meals! And we have some even sweeter news to share… We have officially met our fundraising goal to cover food costs for the entire summer!!!! 🎉 Thank you so much to everyone who donated. You are the reason this program is possible!!

Today, we are celebrating a special milestone. A decade of generosity from Dustin Smisson! 🎉

For the past 10 years, Dustin’s monthly gift has helped provide at least 40 children’s bags every single month, each filled with kid-friendly meals and snacks. That is about 250 meals for local children each month.

Monthly donors like Dustin are the backbone of our small nonprofit. Because of their consistent, reliable support, we are able to plan ahead, purchase food with confidence, and navigate the natural ups and downs of fundraising throughout the year. This kind of giving creates stability for the children and families we serve.

When asked why he gives, he shared:

"I deeply understand how important even one meal can be. Even a small amount donated to Snack in a Backpack means multiple meals for children, who otherwise might not have access to all of the food they need. While I can't change a lot in the world, I can at least have a direct impact to make sure kids in our community don't go to bed hungry at night. Keeping it as a recurring monthly donation makes sure Snack has a steady amount they can use to support those that need it."

Dustin previously served as Chair of the Fannin County Library Board before moving to Germany, and he continues to support the community from afar. He has long believed in the importance of strong local resources, noting that while Snack in a Backpack feeds the body, the library feeds the mind.

Dustin, thank you for 10 years of compassion, consistency, and community impact, even from across the world. ❤️

And to all of our monthly donors, thank you. You make this work possible, week after week, all year long!

Dear Families: Online registration for Summer Meals has officially closed as of today, June 4th. That said, if you are facing a food emergency, please call/text us directly at 706-851-7283 or call Fannin County Family Connection at 706-632-6063. We are here to help as much as we can! ❤

This , we’re recognizing a partner who has been with us from the very beginning.

Mercier Orchards donates nearly 8 tons of apples each school year. This year alone, they gifted our program 324 bushels, valued at $11,340.

Because of their generosity, Snack in a Backpack children receive fresh, local food week after week. During the school year, each child in our program receives two Mercier apples in their weekly bag, something we would not otherwise have the resources to provide at this scale.

Yesterday, we had the opportunity to thank them in person and present a small token of our appreciation. 🍎❤️

If you’re looking for a way to take action and fight local hunger today, please donate to our Summer Meals Program!

You can give online at snackinabackpack.org or by mail at PO Box 2125, Blue Ridge, GA 30513. Thank you! 🌞

As we kick off the first week of summer break, we’re taking a moment to spotlight Feed and Read Fannin! 📚

This year, more than 340 books went home with Snack in a Backpack children. Since 2020, the program has placed 1,540 books into the hands of local elementary-age children to encourage reading over the summer months.

A big thank you to Cayley Hamilton and to everyone who helped purchase and pack these books!

To all of our students, families, volunteers, and supporters, we wish you a fun and safe summer! ☀️❤️

And what a school year it’s been…
650+ children served each week
22,092 bags distributed
132,552 meals provided 👏

What a special way to wrap up the school year! Last week, we had the joy of celebrating not only the end of another incredible year, but also a beautiful beginning for Zac and Audrey, who met right here through Snack. Seeing their story come full circle is such a meaningful reminder of the connections and community that make this work so special.

We are so happy for this wonderful couple and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration so memorable!

Friendly reminder! If your children are in need of summer meals, please be sure to apply this week: bit.ly/4eHrszw

We also need help from the community! We are still working toward our $38,000 fundraising goal to cover the remaining food costs for the Summer Meals Program, and we have not yet reached the halfway point.

Every gift makes a difference. If you are able, please consider donating today: www.snackinabackpack.org

Thank you for helping us ensure children in our community have access to nutritious meals all summer long!

Yesterday, we joined partners from across the region at the Chattanooga Area Food Bank’s Hunger Relief Partner Conference.

Sessions throughout the day focused on honoring our neighbors and identifying ways to bridge gaps in access to food and resources.

Our Executive Director, Debby Beck, participated in a panel discussion on student hunger, highlighting the ongoing need to support children and families beyond the school day. We’re grateful to be part of this network!

❤️ Friendly reminder: If your family is interested in receiving Summer Meals, you can apply here: bit.ly/4eHrszw. For planning purposes, please apply by May 15 for Polk County and May 19 for Fannin County. ❤️