Fulton County Ohio Media

On Saturday afternoon, at Memorial Park during the Swanton Corn Festival, the Swanton Rotary Interact students made a generous donation of $700 to Swanton Local School District’s Backpack Buddies Program.  Interact raised the funds by holding a Swanton Middle School dance earlier this year.

Representing the Interact students were Julianna Avery and Ellie Sgro, and representing the Backpack Buddies was program administrator and long-time Swanton Schools educator, Chris Elliot.  Ms. Elliot thanked the NHS and was very appreciated of the donation. 

Backpack Buddies is a community-based initiative designed to support children who may not have reliable access to food outside of school. The program provides weekend food packs containing healthy, easy-to-prepare meals, snacks, and sometimes personal care or educational items, helping children return to school ready to learn and thrive

As we all know, food prices have risen dramatically the past few years along with other necessary items such as fuel and medical insurance.  Some food pantries and organizations that sponsor community meals have scaled back operations citing the cost of food.  Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have been frozen in place by the Trump Administration until October 1, 2027, meaning there will be no increases in benefits until then, even as food costs continue to rise. Donations such as this by the NHS are becoming even more critical.

Photo: Chris Elliot (Center) receives the check from Julianna Avery (Right) along with Ellie Sgro (Left)