Aug. 11. Bags of Hope, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing at-risk school children with free weekend food provisions, has received a $50,000 grant from Bank of America. It will allow them to provide weekend meals for students who lack reliable access to food, which is more important than ever during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bags of Hope began serving Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ students in 2013 with the goal to reduce the number of students who may otherwise experience hunger over the weekend when free or reduced-price meals cannot be provided for them by their school. It focuses on Northern Mecklenburg and Southern Iredell.

Bags of Hope volunteers purchase, assemble, and deliver provisions to schools that will be sent home with students most at risk for food insecurity. Presently, for schools remaining open, Bags of Hope’s delivery method to the sites remains the same. In other cases, they partner with local organizations that have delivery infrastructure in place to serve the low-income neighborhoods where many of the students live.

“Bank of America’s grant has allowed us to significantly increase the number of students and schools we serve during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Ashley Nydish, board president. “

“Our local food pantries and providers are seeing an unprecedented demand for their services,” said Bank of America Charlotte Market President Charles Bowman. “Bags of Hope is an important partner in meeting the needs of our school-aged children in the north Charlotte area.”

More info: bagsofhopelkn.com.