Students in the School of Education & Human Sciences’ Teaching Scholars program rolled up their sleeves on Thursday and packed enough food to fill more than 300 backpacks for Harnett County elementary school students as part of their community outreach initiative.
The effort was supported through partnerships with the Ethan Nicholas Gonzales Foundation and Second Harvest Foods.
Teaching Scholars and Professional Education students enrolled in Dr. Terrie Hampton-Jones’ Psychology Applied to Teaching course this Fall 2026 have made the project a core part of their preparation to become educators. By combining meaningful community service with their academic coursework, students are learning firsthand how schools, families, universities, and community organizations can collaborate to support student success.
The Backpack Buddies project directly addresses food insecurity among K–5 students by providing backpacks filled with nutritious, child-friendly foods that students can easily prepare or consume independently after school and on weekends.
For many children, the hours between the end of the school day and a parent’s or caregiver’s arrival home create a gap in access to food. Backpack Buddies helps bridge that gap by providing an additional source of meals and snacks during critical hours.
The project’s success depends on the generosity of Campbell University faculty, students, and community partners. Dr. Sam Engel and his wife, Jill, contributed 100 backpacks and totes to support the initiative.
“It’s such a great opportunity to be able to partner with the local schools. I am so grateful for the chance this program provides, allowing us to take one small burden off of the kids so they are able to focus on their learning,” said Campbell student Riley Parker.
Additional donations came from the Coharie Indian Tribe, Dr. Peggy Smith, RiCal Construction, Campbell University faculty and students, and other community members. Their collective generosity demonstrates the power of coordinated community action to serve children and families.
Backpacks were distributed to K–5 students at three nearby Harnett County schools: Buies Creek Elementary, Dunn Elementary, and Lillington-Shawtown Elementary.
The project is intentionally designed to connect service with educator preparation. Through hands-on experience, Teaching Scholars students are learning that a child’s ability to focus, engage, and learn in the classroom is influenced by circumstances beyond the school walls.
Food insecurity and unmet basic needs can affect attention, emotional well-being, behavior, and readiness to learn. This experience reinforces the importance of understanding students’ social, emotional, physical, and academic needs.
“It is an absolute blessing to be a part of a group that gives back to the community and local schools,” noted Anna Johnson. “I love knowing that kids, who may not have anything, can focus on their learning and not worry about what they will eat that day or struggle knowing they are running out of supplies.”
As future teachers and educators, students are encouraged to consider the whole child—not just the learner sitting in the classroom. The Backpack Buddies project exemplifies how educators can recognize and respond to the interconnected needs of the students and communities they serve.
The Backpack Buddies project reflects Campbell University’s commitment to service, community engagement, and preparing educators who are prepared to recognize and respond to the needs of their students and communities.