Backpack missions through WMU

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   I worked with this type mission while living in Florida. 
Taking it a step further I was concerned that the children on free lunch had pre-school siblings that might also not have enough food.
A friend worked with FCH (Family and Children Services) and I spoke with her about this. 
I learned from her that virtually ALL the children participating in the Free Lunch Program at school (who are those also targeted by the WMU program to take home a backpack with food for the weekend) were also from families who received Food Stamps. Receiving Food Stamps also qualified these families for the neighborhood programs which provide food and clothing and school supplies for the low income families!  
In effect I learned that these *needy children* actually had more food available to them than the average mid-income family. That really made me sad. 
When I was speaking with one mother it was nearing Thanksgiving and her family was getting a free full turkey dinner from the local Fire Department, as well as free food from the food pantry...and this was on top of the Food Stamps she got each month!  
It really made me sad. It seemed the *poor children* in America have better access to good food than the average children who have two working parents and are struggling along without any government aid.
Does anyone else have anything to share on this topic?

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godssusan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 05 Aug 2008 Location: Georgia Online Status: Offline Posts: 76	Quote Reply Topic: Backpack missions through WMU Posted: 13 Nov 2008 at 6:48am
	I worked with this type mission while living in Florida. Taking it a step further I was concerned that the children on free lunch had pre-school siblings that might also not have enough food. A friend worked with FCH (Family and Children Services) and I spoke with her about this. I learned from her that virtually ALL the children participating in the Free Lunch Program at school (who are those also targeted by the WMU program to take home a backpack with food for the weekend) were also from families who received Food Stamps. Receiving Food Stamps also qualified these families for the neighborhood programs which provide food and clothing and school supplies for the low income families! In effect I learned that these needy children actually had more food available to them than the average mid-income family. That really made me sad. When I was speaking with one mother it was nearing Thanksgiving and her family was getting a free full turkey dinner from the local Fire Department, as well as free food from the food pantry...and this was on top of the Food Stamps she got each month! It really made me sad. It seemed the poor children in America have better access to good food than the average children who have two working parents and are struggling along without any government aid. Does anyone else have anything to share on this topic?

socialwkmom Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New Member Joined: 03 Dec 2008 Location: Alabama Online Status: Offline Posts: 1	Quote Reply Posted: 03 Dec 2008 at 8:59pm
	I also work with Family & Children Services and have witnessed first had what you are speaking about. Many times when I go into a home there may be lots of food from the food stamps, but they have very little personal hygiene items. They need things like bandaids, deodorant, shampoo, etc. Personally, I would like to see the food stamp program overhauled however no one in congress will touch this federal program because they are seen as taking food from the poor. So, rather than give more food if you know they are getting foodstamps, maybe give the other things that are needed.

suemoore60 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List New Member Joined: 25 Feb 2009 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1	Quote Reply Posted: 25 Feb 2009 at 1:08am
	I find the same thing where I live.....a small town in AR. I have said for many years now that it's really difficult to find families really in need with all the social programs available. Sue