HACAP hopes to grow Operation Backpack nutrition program in Eastern Iowa

Each week in central Eastern Iowa, school age children who otherwise would go hungry over the weekend or until they can get a meal at school are given supplemental food packages through the Operation Backpack program.

The Hawkeye Area Community Action Program's Food Reservoir began Operation Backpack in 2006, and since has expanded its reach to more than 75 schools and provided 2,770 food totes weekly each year.

Linda Gorkow, HACAP Food Reservoir director, said organizers are still looking to expand the program, especially by providing more food for children during upcoming school breaks.

Q: The HACAP Food Reservoir serves many people, food pantries and other organizations. Was there a need specifically for children?

A: In East Central Iowa, it was identified that the food insecurity rate for elementary children was high, with 1 in 4 children who went to bed hungry. Operation Backpack was created to help fight child food insecurity by providing students (kindergarten through sixth grade) easy-to-prepare, shelf-stable food for them to eat when school meals were not available.

Q: A $200 donation serves one child. What does that provide?

A: A $200 donation provides a child weekly totes of food to take home each weekend for an entire school year. Each tote includes nutritious, shelf stable, easy to open food, such as soup, juice, cereal, fruit, granola bar, shelf-stable milk, a microwaveable spaghetti or lunch item and other items as available.

Q: How are bags distributed?

A: The totes of food are distributed by school staff on Fridays. Either the school staff or participating children place Operation Backpack totes of food in the students' backpacks to ensure they have food to eat over the weekend. This successful program begins with the a strong working relationship with key school staff that identifies children with greatest need, the HACAP Food Reservoir who purchases and stores the food (and) community partners who provide volunteer resources along with community donors who fund the program.

Q: Has the program had a noticeable impact?

A: Children who are hungry have a difficult time concentrating on learning. Last year, 47 percent of parents with children in Operation Backpack reported that their children were sick less due to having weekend food assistance. School staff members have provided feedback that students in the program are better able to concentrate in school.

Q: What are potential impacts to students if the program did not exist?

A: School-age children often experience rapid growth. Poor nutrition can have immediate effects on their health and academic performance. Studies show a direct link between not eating breakfast and reduced intellectual performance. Poor eating behaviors early on can lead to serious disorders that affect the brain, heart and other organs, and are relation to other risk behaviors.

Q: What is the goal for the future of the program?

A: Currently 1 in 7 children in our community goes to bed hungry - which still is too high. The future goal of Operation Backpack is to ensure every child in Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington County who needs food or experiences food insecurity is able to receive Operation Backpack totes. Operation Backpack also has opportunity for growth during school breaks.

Q: How can Eastern Iowans get involved?

A: Community members are essential to help support the program financially and through volunteer work. Please contact the HACAP Food Reservoir at (319) 393-7811 or email us at operationbackpack@hacap.org for more information.

l Comments: (319) 368-8516; makayla.tendall@thegazette.com