What are Backpack Bundles?

The CCES PTA Backpack Bundles program provides food to students who may need meal assistance on the weekends or over breaks. Backpack Bundles are funded entirely through donations to the PTA Backpack Bundle Drive – not through the Howard County Public School System.

Signup to Receive a Backpack Bundle

Signups for the program go through our school counselor and are completely confidential. Bags are delivered by school personnel discreetly into students’ backpacks (PTA volunteers do not know who receives bags). If you are interested in having your child receive a Backpack Bundle, please contact our school counselor, Mrs. Rogers ([email protected]).

Would you like to help with this program?

1. Volunteer:
   • Volunteer Baggers are needed to help fill bags from home and deliver them to school each week. Typically, volunteers sign up to organize the bags for one month at a time and will receive the month’s supply of food & directions right before the month begins. You can also sign up to be a “General Volunteer” and you will be contacted if needed for backup or to help with other jobs that might arise. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094CACAA2DABFBCF8-backpack
2. Donate Food:
   1. Order directly through our Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/20NH310A25HUO?ref_=wl_share
   2. Bring food donations to the CCES Back to School Picnic.
   3. Drop off food items into the bin in the CCES foyer.
   4. Make a monetary donation directly to PTA indicating your donation is for Backpack Bundles: https://clemenscrossingpta.org/get-involved/donate/

Food must be individually packaged, shelf stable items, including fruit and protein – items that kids can easily/safely prepare for themselves. When possible, please choose low-sugar & whole grain food that is easy to open. Please – no “heavier” canned goods or bulky items, since backpack bundles must be easily transported in students’ backpacks. Suggested items include the following:

• Breakfast Food: Individual cereal cups/boxes, Oatmeal packets, Cereal bars (Nutri-grain type), shelf-stable yogurt pouches
• Beverages: Milk Boxes
• Lunch/Dinner Food: microwavable bowls, Chef Boyardee pasta cups, Mac & Cheese cups, soup cups (no cans), Ramen noodle cups (not packages), Cheese & Crackers/PB Crackers (handi-dips or sandwich crackers), beef jerky
• Snacks: popcorn, Pirate Booty, Cheez-its, granola bars, Goldfish crackers, chips, etc.
• Fruit/Veggies: Unsweetened applesauce, fruit cups, fruit leather, fruit/veggie pouches, dried fruit
• Treats: Pudding cups, individually-packaged cookies, fruit snacks

Any questions?
Please contact Lisa Scata ([email protected]) or Jenny Lease ([email protected]).