ABOUT US
Where We Began
Several years ago, members of the Rotary Club of Leesburg learned of the astounding number of children in Loudoun County that did not have enough food to eat at home. They wanted to help, and set about determining how they could best support this cause monetarily. However, they encountered a problem: a centralized organization to receive, organize and distribute funds did not exist. So in March of 2014, Dan Hampton took the leap and started Backpack Buddies Foundation of Loudoun, Inc. (BBFL). The foundation was created to provide individuals and corporate donors a central entity where donations could be given easily because it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Perhaps most importantly, donors have the confidence of knowing their contributions are used responsibly to fund programs to feed children in need right in their own community.
Initially, we began working with two Leesburg elementary schools supporting about 275 students. Today, we support approximately 85 elementary, middle and high schools and over 3,000 students. We began in 2014 with 2 members, a lot of community support, and a lofty goal to ensure no child in Loudoun County goes hungry over the weekend or during extended school breaks. Since then,BBFL has added additional Board members to the team, each bringing unique experience, perspective and talent to our cause. While we may hail from different backgrounds, regions and professions, we all maintain a tireless commitment to helping the food insecure children in our community.
Our Mission
The Backpack Buddies Foundation of Loudoun, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, grant writing organization that provides financial support to individual programs throughout Loudoun County committed to providing weekend food for students in need. Through the generosity of individuals, local groups and corporate sponsorships, we obtain and distribute funding to our partners that purchases meals, snacks and milk for the children who would otherwise go hungry at home. We work with local partners to establish new programs where they have yet to begin, and raise awareness about this important issue that affects many neighbors right here in our community.