Tri-City Medical Center Supports School Backpack Program

Over 20,000 San Diego school children will go entire weekends not knowing if there will be enough food to eat.
​
These are not just kids from rural areas or low income neighborhoods. Nor are they kids of any particular race or ethnicity. You won't see their picture hanging on anyone's refrigerator door or their sad faces on late night television commercials with paid celebrity spokespersons pleading their cause. These are children from right here in our own communities, from all walks of life, who all have one thing in common... they're hungry. 

Hunger can be harmful to any individual, but is particularly devastating to children due to their increased vulnerability and potential for long-term consequences, including health issues, behavioral challenges, future career opportunities and social acceptance. Studies have found that:

• Hunger has been associated with health problems that may hinder a child's ability to function normally and participate fully in school and other activities. 

• Children who suffer from food insecurities are more likely to require hospitalization, at higher risk for chronic health conditions, such as anemia, and asthma, and have more frequent instances of oral health problems.
• Food insecurity among young children is associated with poorer physical quality of life, which may prevent them from fully engaging in daily activities such as school and social interaction with peers.
• Food insecurity is also associated with social difficulties, truancy and school tardiness, hyperactivity, aggression, anxiety, mood swings, bullying, and fighting with other children.

​ The North County San Diego Food Bank has committed to take over and run a “Back- Pack” program in our District (Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista).  This is a weekend food assistance program developed specifically for children who depend on school lunch programs for their primary source of nutrition Monday through Friday and have little to nothing of any nutritional value to eat on weekends. Each week throughout the school year, volunteers come together to fill backpacks with 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and a few healthy snacks, enough food to sustain a child through the weekend. The backpacks are delivered to schools and discretely distributed to the children in need by a designated NC Food Bank liaison. The food will have a significant impact in the lives of those children fortunate enough to receive it.

We need to all come together and help.  Tri-City Medical Center has expressed interest in setting aside $25,000 each year for four years to support this program and is asking the business community in each city to sponsor their local schools with this most worthy cause by matching us $1 for $1. Investing in the nutritional needs of our community children will not only provide a higher skilled future workforce, but is the right thing to do. Will you join us?
​
To learn more, contact:
 David Bennett at 760– 940-7365
bennettdm@tcmc.com
 
Thank you in advance,
Scott Ashton, CEO
Oceanside Chamber of Commerce