Take an hour while you’re at the AASA conference in Nashville to support the host community through the Blessings in a Backpack service activity, part of a nationwide campaign to reduce childhood hunger by making sure students have reliable access to food on weekends.

AASA is partnering again with Sourcewell, the association’s government cooperative procurement partner, to bring the project to conference participants.

The volunteer activity will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb. 13, at Booth 1555 in conference’s exhibit hall.

The task is straightforward: Grab a bag, fill it with the various food items and pass it along to the next volunteer. Approximately 2,000 bags – double the typical amount – will be ready to pack with non-perishable food items and essential personal health supplies.

What started as a small volunteer moment has grown into a fulfilling conference tradition, in part by the increased number of people who show up each year.

“Giving back is an important part of our gathering at NCE each year,” said Chad Coauette, CEO of Sourcewell. “We’re proud to partner with AASA on this effort and invite attendees to help pack double the number of bags this year that will make a real difference for local students.”

These weekend bags will support students who rely on free and reduced‑price school meals by making sure they have food available when schools are closed.

Whether you stop in briefly or stay for the full hour, each completed bag contributes to supporting the Nashville community in a meaningful way.

(Amiela Arcellana is a reporter for Conference Daily Online and AASA’s marketing coordinator.)