Big Blue Backpack and the Impact of COVID-19

Abstract

Big Blue Backpacks (BBB) is a student led orginization at Millikin University. BBB provides weekend meals to elementary students in Decatur, IL, who are facing food insecurity. In this essay we reflect on the struggles and set backs of continuing our efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that community ties were vital to the success of Big Blue Backpacks. BBB perservered and was able to adapt to unforseen circumstances of the pandemic. Here we share what helped BBB become sustainable, in hopes that it will be helpful to other students who are involved in community service projects.