Back Pack Buddies is a program designed and implemented to supplement nutritional needs of children when no other resources are available.  The Back Pack Buddy Program is a national and federal approved program for homeless children or children in need of nutrition; however, no monies are allocated by federal, state and local governments to schools to assist children in need of nutrition.  After school, weekends and school holiday vacations these children do not know where their next meal is.

Cumberland UMC has "adopted" Cumberland Mills Elementary School and has agreed to provide Back Pack Buddy Bags for the children in need.  The children are identified by the school Social Worker and the bags of food are distributed by the Social Worker on Friday afternoon.  Gallon size ziplock bags are used for packing the food. There are currently 20 children at Cumberland Mills that have been identified to receive these food bags.  This number may change from time to time.

What is in the food bag?
1 bottle of water                        
1 easy open applesauce or fruit
1 package cheese or peanut butter crackers
1 pop-top can Vienna Sausage or Potted meat
1 individual serving size box cereal
1 granola/cereal bar
1 pop-top can Ravioli (or the like)
1 small juice
1 bag chips or peanuts
1 box raisins or fruit snack
1 single serve carton shelf stable milk
1 spoon

How can you help?
Add 1 or more of these items to your grocery list and then bring it to the church.
Give money
Clip coupons for these items and leave them at the church
Help pack the bags

Other suggestions
All products must have pop-top lids or tear open packets
All items must be individually wrapped
Tuna and chicken products are welcomed in place of Vienna Sausage or Potted Meat
If you have access to the Commissary, this is the cheapest place to buy most of these items.
Any nutritional food that is child friendly, easy open, and individually wrapped can be used.

Other Items of Need
New individual blankets and socks
New toboggans, scarves, gloves
New washclothes, soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes