Article by Stephanie Hobby 

On Friday afternoons at schools across Billings, a bag of food is tucked into a student’s backpack during lunch or recess, out of sight of classmates. Inside is a weekend’s worth of shelf-stable meals, fresh fruit once a month and, now and then, a gift card or special treat donated by a community partner. 

For many Billings Public Schools students, school is more than a place to learn. It is also a dependable source of food. In 2007, nutritionist Ginny Mermel recognized that when school was out and free and reduced-price lunches weren’t available, many students simply went hungry. In response, she founded the BackPack Meals program through the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools. 

The program took off. Within six months, Mermel, a volunteer herself, was coordinating meals for 300 students. Today, the Education Foundation’s Food Insecurity Program provides weekend meals for more than 800 students under the guidance of Nikki Dolan, who was hired to oversee the program. 

Every Wednesday, volunteers gather to pack the kits. Two of the program’s longest-serving volunteers, Dr. Linda Marrs and Ruth Hargrove, both spent their careers in education before joining. Here, in their own words, is why they keep showing up. 

Dr. Linda Marrs 

How long have you been volunteering? 

In 2020, I retired after 40-plus years in education at various levels. Giving back to the profession was important to me. In 2021, I became a member of the Board of Directors for the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, where I was introduced to the work of Ginny Mermel, a volunteer who started the BackPack Meals program, and Nikki Dolan, who had just been hired as the Food Insecurity Program Manager. 

Why is this important to you? 

Given my background as a former teacher and school principal, this work resonated deeply with me. I had witnessed firsthand how food insecurity directly harmed students, leading to impaired cognitive function, lower academic performance, and increased school absenteeism. I volunteered immediately to work with Nikki, with Ruth Hargrove joining us shortly thereafter. 

The number is staggering: 7,000, or roughly 43.7% of Billings Schools’ students, rely on free and reduced-price meals, and the numbers continue to grow. The Food Insecurity Program is having a significant impact, filling the main hunger gaps that exist for students during the week, weekend, and long breaks, including summer break. Ruth and I volunteer two to three hours per week throughout the year to assist Nikki with the organization and distribution of food for three main programs to meet these needs: 

• BackPack Meals: During the school year, this program provides weekly food kits to over 800 students for weekends and school breaks. 
• Food Pantries: This program operates 36 pantries offering food, hygiene supplies, and weekend or break support for any student in need throughout the school year. 
• Munch Machine: Mobile Food Program: This summer program delivers weekly food supplies to students, including fresh produce, BackPack Meals kits, shelf-stable foods, hygiene items, books, and more. 

The experience has been very rewarding for me. Although my volunteer work is just a drop in a bucket, I do feel like I am part of a program that is making a difference for students. It has also broadened my understanding of our community and introduced me to new friends who are equally passionate about this cause. 

Ruth Hargrove 

How long have you been volunteering? 

This will be my fifth year volunteering for the Food Insecurity Program. I work approximately two to three hours per week during the school year and then another two hours a week during the summer months for the Munch Machine: Mobile Food Program. 

Why is this important to you? 

When I first started working in education, I was a Learning Disabilities teacher. I had students from impoverished homes. Their very basic needs were not being met. Concentration and learning cannot happen on an empty stomach. A fellow teacher and I kept a small refrigerator in our room stocked with milk for cereal and snacks for these specific students. 

I’d read about the BackPack Meals program and knew I wanted to be involved because of my experiences with food insecurity as a public school teacher. I also was aware of the pantries at the high schools that served the homeless teens in our community because of my own children attending West High. 

Also, for several years my husband and I have been involved with Child Bridge, an organization that supports foster children and their families. We have been foster grandparents ourselves. It’s very eye-opening to hear the stories and see how children are the victims of difficult circumstances. 

This is such a credible organization, and I strongly believe in what they’re doing to serve our students. It’s been so gratifying for me to be involved with these dedicated people. It’s a tangible way for me to serve children in need in our community. 

HOW TO HELP 

In the coming weeks, the Education Foundation will be packing meals for the Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. To volunteer with the Food Insecurity Program, call the Foundation at 406-281-5149. 

Originally printed in the November 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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