Meigs Primary School has teamed up with Blessings in a Backpack, a program designed to feed school children whose families have little or no food on the weekends. With the help of AEP Ohio, Walmart and other donors, the program is began feeding 75 children per week at MPS on January 4, 2013.

The program received a $5000 donation from AEP Ohio in October to kick-start the program. Pablo Vegas, AEP Ohio president and chief operating officer, said, “We are pleased to support the 'Blessings in a Backpack' program for children in the Meigs Primary School. AEP Ohio continues to support basic needs of the people in our service territory, and we realize that helping children in this way is an important investment in the future of our communities.”

Every Friday, participating students will receive their backpacks with staples that require little to no preparation, such as, granola bars, juice boxes, mac and cheese, and oatmeal. They return with their backpacks on Monday ready to learn. Better test scores, improved reading skills, positive behavior, improved health and increased attendance have all been attributed to the success of this program.

100% of the money raised goes directly to purchase food. $80 feeds a child in the program for an entire 38 week school year. Donations can be made online at BlessingsInABackpack.org by clicking on “Give Money” and specifying Meigs Primary School under the “Designation” option. Cash and check donations can be dropped off in the office at Meigs Primary School.

If you or your organization is interested in helping with this program please contact Julie Howard, program coordinator, at 740-541-2865.