A new program is feeding Orange County children and families in need.
Feeding OC is a revamp of what was once a booming backpack program, sending children home with shelf-stable meals each weekend. Like many programs, the pandemic took a toll on the program, but now it’s being revamped by the Orange County Public Schools Nursing Team.
“As nurses our goal is to always help our patients achieve health and wellness,” district nurse manager Cameron Welch said. “In this case, our patients are our students.”
According to Feeding America, an estimated 1,180 children are food insecure in Orange County. School social workers have identified at least 150 students and families that are food insecure. Welch said nutrition is important for children to thrive academically, socially, emotionally, mentally and physically. She said nutrition also plays an important role in preventing and living with childhood diseases. More students, including those in the county, are experiencing childhood obesity, asthma, epilepsy, cardiac diseases, POTS and diabetes.
“We are hoping to help set healthy food habits and relationships for life,” Welch said.
In addition to revitalizing the backpack program, which Welch estimates serves approximately 150 students, the nursing team is adding a fill the fridge campaign. Utilizing donated refrigerators, the team hopes to offer milk, yogurt, eggs, cheese, meats and more to “fill the gap that canned and shelf stable foods can’t provide.”
Currently, fridges have been installed at Gordon-Barbour and Orange Elementary schools. Welch said the Feeding OC team hopes to have fridges installed in Unionville and Locust Grove Elementary schools as well.
Aside from the recent challenges of the government shutdown and SNAP benefit delays, Welch said food insecurity is increasing.
“Many of our students and their families are feeling the impact and growing concern,” she said. “We want everyone facing food insecurity to know that support and resources are available. Feeding OC is here to help.”
Feeding OC is open to any Orange County family. Those in need of food should contact their school’s counselor, social worker or principal.
To succeed and grow, the program needs donations.
“Historically, OC has been a strong community, willing to help all of our families in need,” Welch said. “Businesses, individuals and other family members can help through fresh food donations, canned and shelf stable foods and monetary donations.”
A few local businesses serve as sponsors for the backpack programs at schools near them. Donations for the fridges are accepted and Welch said the team greatly appreciates those who donate their time to fill backpacks.
“We accept any and all help,” she said.
In addition to the backpack and fridge programs, high school students have a shoppable food pantry allowing them to build skills that will be useful for life after high school. That pantry accepts donations through the OCHS PTO.
For more information, contact Welch at cwelch@ocss-va.org. Financial donations can be made payable to OCPS with “Fill the Backpacks” or “Fill the Fridge” in the memo line.
