Sonshine Backpacks

Sonshine Backpack Food Ministry provides food for school-aged children who are considered food insecure. Many children within the community are able to get food during the week due to the school’s free and reduced breakfast and lunch programs.  However, the children are in desperate need of food during the weekends.   

The Sonshine Backpack provides approximately 100 weekly food bags to Mt. Pleasant Elementary, Mt. Pleasant Middle School, JN Fries Middle School, and Odell Elementary School. The Sunshine Backpack also provides for two area high school food pantries: Mt. Pleasant High School and Central Cabarrus High School.

The Sonshine Backpack Ministry has relied on food and monetary donations from church members, community groups, and individual organizations.  It costs approximately $300 to feed one child for the entire school year.  

Items Packed in the Weekly Food Bags:  Oatmeal or Grits (Single Serving Packs), Granola Bars, Pop Tarts, Easy Mac ‘n Cheese (Single Serving), Canned Soup (Progresso), Microwave Soup (Single Serving Containers), Microwave or Canned Pasta (Spaghetti O’s or Ravioli), Canned Vegetables (small or regular size), Fruit Cups (Single Serving), Applesauce (Single Serving), Shelf-Stable Milk (Single Serving; Horizon or Tru-Moo brands), 100% Juice Boxes, Microwave Popcorn, and Pudding Cups (Single Serving).  Snack Items:  Crackers, Raisins, Cookies, Soap, Shampoo, and Toothpaste are sent once a month. 

For additional information about the Sonshine Backpacks, please contact Bonita Rowland:  (704) 436-2062  or  sonshinebackpack@stjohnsconcord.com