The BackPack Program, which is coordinated locally by Lou Ann Gore Flanagan at Russell County Middle School, is now feeding around 110 students each weekend throughout the Russell County school system.

Flanagan, who has been over the program for three years, said the 100 percent donation-based program operates from funds given to God's Food Pantry in Russell Springs, where the local program began.

Each Wednesday after school Flanagan and several student volunteers package non-perishable student meals in assembly-line fashion for the upcoming weekend for children to take home with them.

"This covers their core contents, including health and math, and also teaches them good citizenship and taking care of other people," Flanagan said of the students helping out.

She said it also can go toward a student's community service record as well as helping out with college scholarships.

The program is designed to meet the needs of hungry children at times when other food resources are not available, such as weekends and school vacations.

All foods are child-friendly and easily eaten while the actual food packages are discreetly distributed to children on the last day before the weekend or a holiday vacation.

Flanagan said people can donate money or non-perishable foods to the cause. Donations should be dropped off at God's Food Pantry on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon until 4 p.m. or anytime at the Russell County Extension Office or at the Russell County Middle School.

She wished to thank the many churches and organizations in Russell County that have given graciously to this program in an effort to stave off hungry children locally.

For more information on the program, contact Lou Ann Gore Flanagan at 270-585-1049.