FRYEBURG — “Our program’s motto is ‘No Child Should Be Hungry’ and our mission is to alleviate food insecurity for the children in our community. There are dozens of children in our district who have food insecurity. We want to end it.”
The words of Jane Lounsbury, treasurer of the Sunshine Backpack Food Program, tell the story of a problem that should be unthinkable yet is all too real for many families in the Fryeburg area.
Food insecurity can lead to behavioral problems, trouble concentrating, and even weight issues. One day at a time, the Sunshine Backpack Food Program aims to shrink the gap between sadness and solution.
“We send weekly bags of food home for MSAD 72 district children in need so that they aren’t hungry during the weekend and vacation weeks,” said Lounsbury. “Sunshine Backpack Food Program is an all-volunteer effort that purchases, stores, packages, and distributes the bags of ready to eat, shelf-stable food for the time between the end of school Friday and Monday morning. Larger bags are sent home for school vacations and special treats are included before holidays.”
For several years, Norway Savings has been moved by the cause and response, most recently donating $1,000 to the organization in November.
“Norway Savings Bank’s help is greatly appreciated and makes a real difference,” said Lounsbury. “The donations and contributions from community members, organizations, and businesses are so crucial, especially when you consider how much the need has grown in recent years.”
The program began in 2013 at New Suncook Elementary School and has expanded to all three district schools serving children in Fryeburg, Brownfield, Denmark, Sweden, Lovell, Stoneham, and Stow, as well as Chatham, New Hampshire.
“Typically, throughout the school year, we send home between 100 and 110 bags each week,” said Lounsbury.
“Sunshine Backpack Food Program works to ensure children are receiving the food and sustenance they need at a critical time in their lives and development. The work of these volunteers is incredibly important and meaningful,” said Dan Walsh, president and CEO of Norway Savings Bank. “We’re grateful for the true impact being made and thankful for all those contributing in whatever way they can to support the effort.”
There are many ways to offer that support. Sunshine Backpack Food Program accepts financial contributions and food donations, specifically single-serve ready food items like granola bars, oatmeal, peanut butter and crackers or cheese and crackers, fruit cups, applesauce, juice boxes, pudding cups, Goldfish crackers, popcorn, Cheez-It bags, and fruit snacks. For school vacations, things like macaroni and cheese, microwave popcorn, and small jars of peanut butter are helpful. You can also volunteer with the group. To learn more about helping in any of these ways, visit the organization’s website at www.sunshinebackpacks.org or call 207-256-3031.
