October marked the one-year anniversary of the Starfish Backpack program at Blacklock, Wix-Brown, Nicomekl and Glenwood Elementary schools in 91原创.

It is an unfortunate fact that many children in 91原创 go to school hungry.

Hungry kids cannot learn.

While many schools help by offering breakfast and lunch programs during the week, children also need food on weekends and holidays. The Starfish Backpacks Initiative, supported by the United Churches of 91原创, Sunrise Rotary, Central Rotary and the 91原创 School District Foundation, recognizes the need and provides backpacks filled with nutritious food items to feed a family throughout each weekend.

鈥淲ords cannot describe the pure joy on the children鈥檚 faces when they leave with a backpack full of nutritious food for the weekend. I have seen a change in their behaviour when they return to us on Monday morning,鈥� said Susanna Eppich, principal of Blacklock Elementary.

鈥淣ow they are ready to learn and feel cared for.鈥�

Not only have the backpacks benefited children they also help parents who struggle to feed their family.

Scott Johnson, principal of Wix-Brown, said he knows of parents who said they cried when they saw what was in the backpack.

鈥淭hey were especially grateful for the items that they know are good for their children, but could not afford to buy for them.鈥�

The Rotary Club of 91原创 Sunrise, United Churches of 91原创, Rotary Club of 91原创 Central and the 91原创 School District Foundation worked together to launch the program in 91原创 a year ago. A similar program is also happening in Aldergrove, led by the Rotary Club of Aldergrove and supported by local businesses in that community.

Starfish Backpacks in 91原创 provide two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and snacks and is 100 per cent community supported.

At a cost of $525 per child for the school year, groceries are provided at cost from Save-On Foods. The food is ordered by School District Foundation staff, sorted/packed into backpacks by Brookswood Secondary School students and delivered by volunteers from the United Churches of 91原创.

鈥淭he United Churches of 91原创 (UCoL) supports Starfish both financially and with volunteers.

UCoL encourages other churches in 91原创 to get involved with Starfish as part of their outreach ministry.

鈥淲e would encourage and welcome local 91原创 businesses to get involved as well in this much needed community endeavour,鈥� said Bev Rodrigo.

The Starfish Backpack Program began in a single school in Abbotsford in 2013 and is now delivered in over a dozen B.C. communities.

All local donations remain in the communities where they are made.

To find out more and/or make a donation, go to www.langleyschooldistrictfoundation.com or email scairns@sd35.bc.ca or call 604-532-1464.