Jodie Hunt, director of Backpack Buddies, was surprised when she found out that she had been nominated for an award recognizing her service with the Backpack Buddies, a program that provides food for 269 children who might otherwise go without.

Hunt was one of the recipients of the Jenco Award, an award given out by the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.

“I was totally shocked by receiving the award because I didn’t know I’d been nominated for the award,” said Hunt. “People nominate someone they know…who has done outstanding things in their community.”

Dee Travis, who works for the Rock Hill School district and began working with Hunt when Backpack Buddies was introduced at the school, nominated Hunt for the award.

“I thought it was really sweet of her to do that,” said Hunt.

After Hunt was nominated for the award a group from the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio met with Hunt.

“They came down about a month ago and did a video (about me),” said Hunt.

The film about Hunt was set to premiere at the Jenco Award ceremony last week.

Receiving the award recognizing the success of Backpack Buddies is an honor, said Hunt, who was quick to credit God for the success of the program.

“It’s not something I’ve done,” said Hunt. “God has blessed us so much.”