The Columbia Rotary Club, which has served the community since 1943, voted Aug. 23 to join eight local churches in continuing the weekend food backpack program for 20 needy middle schoolers, club president Gabby Crail announced.

“We are grateful for yet another group choosing to be a part of this vital program,” said Steve Bryan, chairman of Tyrrell County Ministerial Association.

Churches that are to provide food bags in September are: three-day Labor Day weekend, Columbia Christian; 9th, Wesley Memorial United Methodist; 16th, Soundside Free Will Baptist; 23rd, Open Door Fellowship; and 30th, Columbia Missionary Baptist.

The October schedule is: 7th, Assembly of Praise; 14th, Frying Pan Free Will Baptist; 21st, Sound Side Missionary Baptist; and 28th, Columbia Rotary Club.

On Aug. 31, Bryan sent out the fall semester’s weekend menu. It is a shopping guide for the individuals who actually purchase the products, all of which must be non-perishable.

“The menus are provided by certified dieticians so that they contain the proper food sources and portions,” Bryan stated.

Food bags are delivered to Columbia Middle School each Friday morning for distribution by counselors and teachers.

The menu, which is the same each weekend, is:

Saturday — Breakfast: cereal or cereal bar, applesauce and fruit drink or juice. Lunch: canned rings and franks, crackers, peaches and cheese crackers. Dinner: spaghetti and beef ravioli, carrots, jello cup, Krispie treat and crackers.

Sunday — Breakfast: individual oatmeal packs, fruit cup and juice or fruit drink. Lunch: chicken salad, fruit cup and pretzel twists. Dinner: mac and cheese, peas and chewy Granola bar.

A similar three-meal menu is added on long weekends.

Two-percent milk is preferred, but because it must be refrigerated other fluids are substituted.

The food backpack program began last January.