The United Way of Greater Greensboro is calling on area residents to mobilize throughout July and support the group’s annual MeaningFULL Meals program, which partners with The Volunteer Center of the Triad and BackPack Beginnings.

About a decade ago, the local United Way chapter and The Volunteer Center started the MeaningFULL Meals program as a nutrition project meant to collect donated food and use it to feed school children in need over summer break.

According to program backers, in mid-2023, with sky high food prices, the need is greater than ever before.

A press release this week that’s essentially a call for help stated, “With the increase of food prices during the past year there has been a decline in donations. Local food pantries also report serving more guests due to these rising prices and the cut in SNAP benefits, making this year’s MeaningFULL Meals drive especially needed.”

Seven years ago, BackPack Beginnings – which provides kids in need backpacks full of items such as hygiene items and educational supplies – joined the partnership and now helps get the meals to children and families in the community.

Those who want to help out should visit www.UnitedWayGSO.org/Volunteer to learn more and choose from two options:

  • Host a drive in July and drop off your donations at BackPack Beginnings by August 4.
  • Bring food donations to The United Way of Greater Greensboro (1500 Yanceyville St. in Greensboro) or BackPack Beginnings (1852 Banking Street, #9024 in Greensboro).

Drops should be made Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Parker White, the founder and executive director of Back Pack Beginnings stated in the press release, “Summer is a difficult time for children who rely on school meals for most of their nutritional needs. With food prices up, donations down and SNAP cuts, the need for MeaningFULL meals is more important than ever.”

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