Gov. Cooper honors Eastover teen's feeding program

EASTOVER, North Carolina (WTVD) -- Miss Eastover's Outstanding Teen and Cape Fear High School sophomore Avery Pickett is now adding a new honor to her list.

In March, she petitioned Governor Roy Cooper for a proclamation for a Backpack Buddy Day in North Carolina, and last week the Governor's office approved her request. He named September 28, Also Avery's 16th birthday as Backpack Buddy Day.

Avery began helping with Backpack Buddys in the 3rd grade when she realized a fellow student always asked for extra food at school. She got a little curious and asked her teacher why he took two backpacks home. That's when she learned about the program.

From there, she asked her church, Lebanon Baptist, to get involved and collect food. Every week, Avery filled an entire pew with food donations. Realizing she needed a bigger platform, she chose Backpack Buddys.

She opened her very own food panty in February at Lebanon Baptist Church which feeds Armstrong Elementary, Mac Williams, Cape Fear High School, and supplements other schools in the area.

Avery Pickett has received four $1000 grants this year for the pantry that feeds 50 students weekly

Pickett will be competing again for Miss North Carolina's Outstanding Teen.

You can donate food to the pantry to help feed local Cumberland County students. Drop your donations at the office of Lebanon Baptist Church in Eastover.