At Seaford Head Start, each child receives Backpack meals

October 27, 2023

Located on the east side of Bridgeville Highway, Seaford Head Start serves 50 children ages 3-5 in an educational, classroom-based setting. Like most pre-schools and childcare facilities, there’s an opportunity for outdoor play in the playground adjacent to the center.

Because this program targets low-income or no-income families,  every child enrolled goes home each week with a backpack meal kit from the Food Bank of Delaware. Their parents opted into the additional support offered here.  The Backpack Program is a weekend meal program that includes a plastic bag filled with shelf-stable, child-friendly meals for a weekend.

Roxann Trim, Children and Families First Delaware’s Head Start compliance officer, explains that the backpacks are valued. “It’s nutritional food, and the parents are very appreciative if we are able to provide additional support,” she said.

“The parents are happy to receive the food, and the kids are excited,” Roxann pointed out. “We know it’s helpful for families who deal with food insecurity.”

In addition,  this center recently started hosting monthly mobile pantries for neighbors in need, and she reports they’ve been well received. “We offer additional resources. What I love about the Food Bank is the variety of food options, the fruits and vegetables, and that exposes them to things that they normally wouldn’t buy. I help out, and it’s nice to talk to people too,” she added

To learn more about the Backpack Program, click here.