The Need

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Approximately 50% of Radford City Public School children qualify for free lunch. As a result, an increased need for weekend food was identified by Radford City Public School principals and guidance counselors to support food insecure students. Bobcat Backpacks was created in January 2016 as an autonomous program run by community members with the support of the schools and the Radford community. At that time, 65 students were served in all Radford City Schools through the school year. Now in 2019, the Bobcat Backpacks Program provides weekend food for 170 RCPS students throughout the school year and summer months. We also stock food pantries for intermediate and high school and provide snacks for the two elementary schools.