37,140 bags and counting: FeedMore surpasses goal as backpack drive nears finish line

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Tuesday marks the final day of FeedMore WNY’s Fill the Backpack campaign, and the community has already stepped up in a big way.

The drive set out to provide 35,000 food bags for local children who rely on school meals. As of midday Tuesday, more than 37,140 backpacks have been filled, surpassing that goal.

But FeedMore says the need doesn’t end here. Every additional donation, whether it’s $1, $3 or $5, helps provide weekend meals for children facing hunger this summer.

“We’re going through midnight tonight, and every little bit helps,” Wegmans spokesperson Michele Mehaffy said. “We’ve heard from FeedMore how great the need is right now. This campaign really helps, and we want to go over that goal because we know that every little bit will go to help families in need.”

There’s still time to give. Shoppers can donate at the register at any Wegmans location in Western New York through the end of the day. Just $5 provides enough food to fill one backpack.