It began with a big hearted 10 year old who worried about classmates at Bloom-Vernon Elementary not having enough to eat during weekends. Jessica Swick packed peanut butter sandwiches in sack lunches for those classmates, and used her own money to buy food for food pantries.
Jessica Swick, 31, passed away as the result of an automobile accident in 2025. To honor her memory and to continue her compassionate generosity her parents have established the Bloom-Vernon Jessica Swick PB&J Pay It Forward Fund at the Scioto Foundation. Distributed to Bloom-Vernon Local Schools, the fund helps alleviate food insecurity experienced by its elementary students. The money can be used for purchasing school lunches or extra food items, supporting the school’s food pantry, or to support the work of the Steven Hunter powerpack program at the school.
Jessica graduated from South Webster High School and Asbury University. She was an avid animal lover, from her own pets to the horses and pigs she showed in 4-H. Jessica competed in barrel racing, trained horses, and even participated in cattle drives and calf branding in Wyoming.
Through mission trips with her parents, Jessica learned more about sharing her love with others in need. “Jessica was a beautiful soul who naturally looked out for the underdog,” said Sandy Smith, Bloom-Vernon Elementary’s Principal.
The kindness of a young girl grew into an important partnership with the Steven Hunter Hope Fund’s powerpacks program, which today addresses food insecurity for 120 Bloom-Vernon students each week. Sandy Smith said, “we often say, this all started with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Jessica taught us how an act of love is never too small to make a difference. Through the Bloom-Vernon Jessica Swick PB&J Pay It Forward Fund, she is still looking out for our students.”
The Scioto Foundation manages this gift and other funds that improve the quality of life in the greater Scioto County area. For more information, contact Patty Tennant at 740-354-4612.
