JACKSON, Tenn. – The Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA) is thrilled to host its Pack the Bus food drive in support of the Snack Backpack ministry.
The 13th annual event will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 – 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., at five local grocery stores in Jackson.
Pack the Bus is a food drive event that benefits the Snack Backpack ministry. This ministry provides kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare, nutritious food to elementary school children who have little to no food over the weekends.
The food collected from Pack the Bus will be used to fill each Snack Backpack. In 2023, the event raised 15,000 pounds of food.
The food drive event will be held at Kroger Stonebrook (41 Stonebrook Place), Kroger University (35 W. University Pkwy.), Walmart North (2196 Emporium Drive), Sam’s Club (2120 Emporium Drive), and Walmart South (2171 S. Highland Ave.).
A school bus will be parked at each location, and RIFA staff and volunteers will be collecting food and money contributions to feed our hungry neighbors. Items needed to fill the Snack Backpacks include Pop-Tarts, Ramen Noodles (chicken or beef), Microwavable Popcorn (individually wrapped), Apple Sauce (with foil lids), Oatmeal (singleserve packs), Chicken Noodle Soup (with pop-tops), Ravioli (with pop-tops), and Macaroni and Cheese (individual packets/ bowls).
RIFA provides Snack Backpacks to approximately 1,400 children at Jackson-Madison County elementary schools each week during the school year. Each Snack Backpack provides a child with six meals and two snacks. Donations can also be made to support the Snack Backpack ministry by visiting https:// secure.qgiv.com/for/snackbackpack.
About RIFA In 1976, local churches and community leaders formed the Regional Inter-Faith Association (RIFA) to address the needs of the growing number of people living in poverty in Jackson, Tennessee. Today, RIFA’s vision is to lead and engage the community in the fight against hunger. RIFA is a Christian nonprofit organization that reaches out with the love of Christ to help people in need by providing physical and spiritual nourishment.
