Each month, Bay District Schools is grateful to PCB Life for allowing us to feature our incredible beach campuses. While we often shine a spotlight on our schools, this month we are proud to feature one of our most impactful community partners: Backpack Blessings, a nonprofit organization that has quietly transformed the lives of hundreds of Bay District Schools students since 2011.
What began as a simple idea shared by five compassionate individuals (Janet and Ray Williams, Rebecca Dent, Amy Ezell, and Joe and Stacey Thomas) has grown into an essential lifeline for children facing food insecurity at home. Today, Backpack Blessings provides weekend meals to every Panama City Beach school, from Pre-K through 12th grade, ensuring no child goes hungry when school is not in session.
With nearly 70% of Bay District Schools students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, the need for support doesn’t stop on Fridays or during holiday breaks.
“That need doesn’t end when the kids aren’t at school; it’s all the time,” explains Lynn Sears, Director of Backpack Blessings.
Recognizing this reality, the organization delivers seven meals and snacks each weekend to students identified by school counselors and teachers. For many children, these bags fill a critical gap, providing nourishment, stability, and reassurance.
The operation is powered entirely by volunteers, and on any given Thursday, hundreds gather to fill backpacks with non-perishable foods, drinks, hygiene items, and handwritten encouraging notes.
These messages, Sears says, are just as meaningful as the meals. “We want students to know they are loved and cared for. Teachers have told us their students treasure these notes; they bring them to school and ask their teacher to read them aloud.”
As holidays approach and SNAP benefits continue to fluctuate, the work becomes even more urgent. Backpack Blessings expands its distributions during longer breaks, making sure students have enough food to carry them through days away from school.
This year, the organization expects to feed more than 400 students during the holidays, a far cry from the 35 children supported during its first year. Bay District Schools could not be more grateful for Backpack Blessings’ unwavering commitment. Their mission is simple but profound: “We’re here to nourish, support, and uplift local students, because no child should have to worry about their next meal.”
Their partnership reminds us that when a community comes together, every child has a chance to thrive. If you are interested in volunteering or contributing to this incredible cause, you can visit their website at www.backpackblessingspcb.com.
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