Feeding Jackson County's Children: A Community-Driven Effort

Jackson County's Food For Thought annual fundraiser has embarked on its seventh year, steadfastly committed to addressing food insecurity among local children. This collaborative initiative, spearheaded by a dedicated community, has united various food and backpack programs across the county, working in tandem to ensure no child goes hungry.

Empowering the Next Generation, One Meal at a Time

A Grassroots Approach to Tackling Food Insecurity

Seven years ago, Tommy Haynes recognized the pressing need to raise funds for the numerous backpack programs scattered throughout Jackson County. By orchestrating a county-wide coalition, Haynes ensured that all the participating programs received the necessary support to fulfill their mission. This collaborative effort has been bolstered by the unwavering commitment of community partners, including the Jackson County Legislative Delegation, Senator Steve Livingston, Representative Mike Kirkland, Impact Learning Center, and the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce.

Nourishing the Disadvantaged Youth

The backpack programs supported by Food for Thought have been a lifeline for disadvantaged youths across all schools in Jackson County and Scottsboro City. Nourish One Child, one of the many backpack programs in the region, has been a direct beneficiary of the funds raised through this initiative. As Mary K Carlton of Nourish One Child explains, "The cost of food has gone up a lot in the last year," leading to an increase in the cost of each bag provided to the children, now ranging from eight to ten dollars per bag. Additionally, the number of children receiving these backpack services has risen during the 2023-2024 school year, underscoring the growing need for these programs.

Sustaining the Effort: Community Partnerships and Donations

As the new school year approaches, local businesses have stepped up to support the Food for Thought fundraiser. Bruce's Foodland, with its three locations in Scottsboro, Stevenson, and Section, has signed up to accept donations, while First Southern State Bank has also opened its doors to collect contributions at its Scottsboro, Stevenson, and Higdon branches.Thanks to the generosity of community members, over 1,000 children received backpack assistance last year. Those interested in contributing can visit the designated donation sites at Bruce's Foodland or First Southern State Bank locations throughout Jackson County. Alternatively, donations can be mailed directly to the Jackson County Legislative Office, with checks payable to Nourish One Child and designated for the Food for Thought initiative. Online donations can also be made through the Nourish One Child website, with the funds earmarked for the Food for Thought program.As Mary K Carlton emphasizes, "It's very necessary for these programs to have enough funds to feed the children throughout the year." The unwavering support of the community, coupled with the dedication of the organizers, ensures that the children of Jackson County can count on a reliable source of nourishment, empowering them to thrive and reach their full potential.