Story via fortmyers.floridaweekly.com

The second annual Brews for Blessings event raised over $26,000 to help support Blessings in a Backpack Southwest Florida Chapter’s mission to provide food to school children on weekends. All funds raised will go directly to feeding local children in need.

Brews for Blessings was held February 26 and co-hosted by Millennial Brewing Company in Fort Myers. A large selection of brews was offered at the free, family-friendly event that also featured a special children’s area in addition to food trucks, a silent auction, and live music. At the event, families also learned about food insecurity in SWFL and how they can help feed a child for a school year.

“We are thrilled with the outpouring of support we received at this year’s Brews for Blessings,” said Cecilia St. Arnold, executive director for Blessings in a Backpack SWFL. “The community saw the need once again this year and came out to help the children. We sincerely appreciate it.”

During the week, many young students are fed by federal government programs through school meals. A leader in the movement to end childhood hunger, Blessings in a Backpack SWFL ensures these children receive nutritional meals over the weekend during the school year. Every Friday afternoon, each child receives a backpack filled with nutritious, kid-friendly, ready-to-eat items. They return the backpacks on Monday, and each is filled and ready for the next weekend.

A donation of only $115 will provide meals for 36 weekends for one school-age child. Blessings in a Backpack’s goal this school year is to feed 6,000 school children.

Blessings in a Backpack serves 5,600 students through 27 school-based programs located throughout Lee and Collier Counties.

In these schools, test scores, reading skills, positive behavior, general health, and school attendance have improved dramatically due in part to students receiving the nourishment they need throughout the week and the weekends.

Gifts of all sizes are welcome through the donations portal at swfl.blessingsinabackpack.org.