Daniel C. Oakes High School Partners with the Backpack Society
Every Friday morning Daniel C. Oakes High School’s student council members prepare individual boxes of donated food for students to take home when they leave school for the weekend. Approximately 25 students and a handful of staff have signed up for the free food program, known as The Backpack Society. All students are eligible to participate and can opt-in at any time.
The Backpack Society is a non-profit organization that provides food for students in Douglas County School District and Littleton Public Schools. The organization’s mission is to remove food insecurity as an obstacle for students so they can grow, learn, and thrive.
“I get a box, and I like the produce and vegetables,” said D.C. Oakes student council member Finn Coulter.
Students also recognize the financial benefit.
“Eggs and milk are useful because they’re so expensive!” said D.C. Oakes student council member Sierra Geurin.
The food boxes include a gallon of milk, eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables, canned food, bread, and cereal.
“Family budgets are tight, so receiving food frees up money for other things like filling up the car with gas, or paying for a haircut,” said Nicole Amidon, D.C. Oakes school psychologist. “This is one stress point that D.C. Oakes can help to eliminate.”
Geurin reaches out to new students to make sure they’re aware of the program. Student council members pass out reminder slips about the boxes to students on Friday mornings.
“There’s dignity attached to being able to help create a culture of compassion and care for their peers,” said Amidon.
Students also have access to an onsite snack pantry, hosted by Plum Creek Church. The snack pantry is open every day and Plum Creek Church donates fresh fruit twice a week, which is a favorite among the students! Other popular items include peanut butter, oatmeal, and granola bars.
Plum Creek Church regularly donates hygiene supplies and King Soopers gift cards to the school. The partnership with the church and The Backpack Society has been running for about a year.
“Your basic needs have to be met in order to learn, so we're very grateful for our local partners who help make this happen,” said Amidon.