Nine year old Robert Cooke eagerly grabs a marker and runs up to the white board. “Watch this!”, he says, as though he was a trained magician about to reveal an impressive trick. He begins to write a math equation he learned how to solve in math class earlier that week.

“Two times ninety” he announces as he writes. “Equals” he pauses for dramatic effect as he looks out over his shoulder at his audience, awaiting the grand finale. With a half grin, as if to say, “drum-roll please…”, he turns back to the board and excitedly writes as he exclaims “180”!

He returns to his seat, beaming with pride. Robert is a typical young boy. He’s “one of the best in his class”, he brags. Math is one of this favorite subjects.

Today, Robert can concentrate on wowing his classmates and teachers. One thing he doesn’t have to worry about is being hungry.

Robert, along with sisters, Angel who is 10 and Breanna who is 11, participate in the Food Bank’s BackPack Program™. The program helps many families like the Cooke family, according to Linda, the Home-School Counselor.

“The need here is really strong”, says Linda. “About 50% of our students are on free and reduced pricelunches. For many it’s the only meal a day they know they will get. The BackPack Program™ makes a big difference in the lives of many of our families”.

Linda has known the family for a while, and they hold a special place in her heart. “Their grandma is a personal hero of mine”, she says. “She does everything she can to give those kids a good life”. The Cooke family is a good example of many families who participate in the BackPack Program™.

“They are hardworking families that put family first in order to get by”, explains Linda. “This program is important because it gives them one less thing to worry about.

“It helps us because it makes my mom worry less”, says Angel.

The BackPack Program™ helps the Cooke family plan out nutritious meals and snacks for the week. In the Cooke household, peanut butter is a go-to staple in many of their meals and snacks.

“I like to keep the peanut butter in my room”, says Angel. “Whenever I get hungry, I eat a spoonful as a snack”. “And I like to put the peanut butter in my oatmeal!”, says Robert.

But, it’s more than just meals. Full tummies learn better than empty ones, and this effect can be seen just by watching Robert, Angel, and Breanna talk about their favorite classes.

“I love to read. Harry Potter™ books are my favorite!”, says Angel.

Backpacks for the Cooke children mean another solved math problem, another wizard adventure, and three full stomachs; they’re only hungry to learn more.

The Cooke Family

Left to right: Angel, Robert, and Breanna Cooke

BackPack Program™ At-A-Glance 2015-2016 School Year

• All 41 districts served in our six county service area• 2,800 children served • 121,045 packs distributed • 3,000 hours donated by volunteers

For more information on the BackPack Program™ please visit our website at www.foodbankst.org,

or contact Jennifer Edger, Director of Community Programs, at jedger@feedingamerica.org