In the spring of 2008, the Rock Hill Schools Administrative Staff researched external reasons why all students are not achieving at greater levels in the district's public schools. 

Administrators surveyed Teachers, Counselors, Nurses, and other Support Staff to collect data. Information collected from surveys revealed a number of astonishing external problems that hinder student achievement every day across the district. Identified problems ranged from students not having appropriate medical care, a lack of proper hygiene, and surprisingly, many students displayed consistent symptoms of chronic hunger. Undernourishment negatively affects student’s health, ability to focus, and overall well being. A lack of food can cause headaches, stomach pains, stunt growth, deter thinking, sap energy, and contribute to learning disabilities. 

 The school decided to make a change and established the Back the Pack program.  During the 2008-2009 school year, weekend food packs were discreetly distributed to 550 elementary age students in Rock Hill Schools on Fridays. The local community has embraced this cause and has provided $98,500, thousands of food donations, and hundreds of volunteers have invested thousands of hours to support the program. 

The program recently gained national attention when one of the women who spearheaded the initiative was selected by L'Oreal as a "Women of Worth." This month the TODAY show featured a piece by Giada DeLaurentiis with the hopes of highlighting the great work Rock Hill was doing to try and combat childhood hunger. 

The Back the Pack program has reported that 80% of the students participating have improved academically and show less signs of stress. Just another wonderful example of how Schools can and do fight hunger!

Check out the TODAY show video and learn more about the Back the Pack program!