Blessings in a Backpack, coordinated by Knox College’s Kleine Center for Community Service, has secured a $15,000 grant from the Galesburg Community Foundation’s ‘The Turnout’ funding program for the second year running. This grant ensures the group can continue providing food to more than 400 Galesburg School District 205 students facing food insecurity each week. The number of children served continues to grow, but thanks to local partnerships, volunteer support, and a $10,000 annual donor, the program can meet increased demand as food prices rise. Every dollar raised supports their effort to fight hunger among local children. According to Teresa Nelson, the director of civic engagement at Knox, the idea to apply for the grant came from Jillian Isaacson, a former employee of the Galesburg Community Foundation. “We talked about it a lot at Rotary, and she encouraged us to apply for this,” Nelson explained.
“Last year, we inquired how many students were in need, and we learned it was around 425 per week, so we aimed to meet that need fully,” Nelson shared.
A simple act of compassion has blossomed into a nationwide movement. In 2005, Missy Hammerstrom’s lunch with a student in Louisville, Kentucky, revealed a hidden hunger crisis. Moved by a child’s request to take home an apple for the weekend, Missy packed 30 backpacks with food and delivered them to local children. Today, Blessings in a Backpack feeds thousands of kids across the country each weekend, fueled by an army of volunteers. Missy’s family continues her legacy, packing hundreds of bags at Engelhard Elementary, honored with a city proclamation. Her mission endures, ensuring children don’t go hungry when school is out.
“Every dollar raised goes directly into feeding these kids,” Nelson emphasized. “Our entire workforce comprises volunteers from both the College and the community, which is why it’s fantastic to have such strong local support.”
“We’ve found that incorporating the community fosters success. They care deeply about the children’s achievements,” she said. “Research shows that hungry kids struggle in school. A child needs food, shelter, and clothing to thrive and learn.”
