Second Year for United For Kids Backpack Feeding Program

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties is helping fight for the health of students in the community.

This is the second year for the United for Kids Backpack Feeding Program. The program sends backpacks of meals homes to students who eligible from Zanesville City Schools and New Lexington Schools each Friday of the school year.

“Gives them meals and resources for the weekend. So that’s something that we’ve been funding now for two years. We’re really excited about this partnership with our schools in both Muskingum and Perry County. And just really happy to provide that service,” said United Way Community Relations Director, Becky Clawson.

“I think it’s been a really big help for all of our families and I think the students really appreciate getting that food. And they really look forward to getting the bag every week. And it’s something that they definitely rely on,” added Principal of John McIntire Elementary School, Mike Emmert.

Along with the meals, extra resources are provided in the backpacks for the families. Clawson said that this gives families a chance to learn more about resources like 2-1-1, the United Way tax program, and the FamilyWize Prescription Discount Card.

“So happy that we’ve been able to kinda utilize to not only stretch resources, but reach some families in a different way,” she said.

United Way donor dollars are used to fund the program and is completed through their allocation process every Spring. If you would like to donate, just visit the United Way of Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties’ website, www.unitedwayofmpm.org.