How We Got Started
Several years ago, members of the Rotary Club of Leesburg learned of the astounding number of children in Loudoun County that did not have enough food to eat at home. They wanted to help, and set about determining how they could best support this cause monetarily. However, they encountered a problem: a centralized organization to receive, organize and distribute funds did not exist. So in March of 2014, Dan Hampton took the leap and started Backpack Buddies Foundation of Loudoun, Inc. (BBFL). The foundation was created to provide individuals and corporate donors a central entity where donations could be given. It enables donors to easily contribute, and because it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, they also receive a tax benefit. Perhaps most importantly, donors have the confidence of knowing their contributions are used responsibly to feed children in need.
Initially, we began working with two Leesburg elementary schools supporting about 275 students. Today, we support approximately 85 elementary, middle and high schools and over 3,000 students.
In 2017, we distributed over $45,000 to feed students over weekends and school breaks. But our work is not done.
As long as there are food insecure children, we will keep working to provide the support they need. The more awareness our community has about this issue, the better chance we have of ensuring EVERY child has access to the food they need!
