Segue fills holiday backpacks to combat student hunger

Scholars at the Segue Institute for Learning in Central Falls receive three meals a day while at school, but during vacations such as the long holiday break, many lack that access since the school is closed.

Therefore, Segue tries to assist its 240 students and their families during this time with a donation program called “Backpack Snack Attack”.

Segue Institute for Learning is a middle-level charter school serving students in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Its student body mirrors that of the Central Falls public schools with an 87% bilingual population (dominantly Spanish-speaking) and 85% eligibility for free or reduced lunches.

The Backpack Snack Attack drive campaign started in September and ends the week before the holiday break. Staff and their families, board members, local business owners, and friends of the school contribute donations in the form of cash, non-perishable food items, board games and a holiday educational packet so that the scholars continue their learning process.

Non-perishable items include, but are not limited to: water bottles, fruit snacks, pop tarts, crackers, granola bars, and mac and cheese. The backpacks are also part of the donations received.

“I always worry for the students who won’t have enough to eat when school is not in session,” said Angelo Garcia, Founder and Executive Director. “We established the backpack snack program in 2014 and each year have been blessed with tremendous response. We hope this year is just as fruitful.”

Currently there is an urgent need for donations. The drive ends December 18. Contact Dorothy Rivera-Perez at Dorothy.RP@segueifl.org or 401-721-0964.