About Us
Founded in January 2010 in Sumiton, our mission is to ensure that no child goes hungry over the weekend.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to eliminate hunger among schoolchildren in Walker County by providing them with the food they need to sustain themselves over the weekend. We believe that by addressing food insecurity, we can improve the health, well-being, and academic success of our community's children.
How We Started
Backyard Blessings began as a grassroots effort in January 2010, responding to the growing need for food assistance among schoolchildren in Sumiton.
Our Approach & Impact
Our Approach
We work closely with public schools across Walker County to identify children who may be at risk of going hungry over the weekend. Once these students are registered, our dedicated volunteers pack bags with nutritious, nonperishable food items. These food bags are then discreetly distributed to the students on Fridays, allowing them to take the food home in their own backpacks. The items are chosen to be child-friendly and easy to prepare, ensuring that the children can consume them with minimal assistance.
Our Impact
Since our inception, Backyard Blessings has grown significantly. We now serve almost 1,400 students every week, providing them with the food they need to stay healthy and focused. To date, we have distributed over 1,000,000 meals, each one packed with care and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of local children.
Why Backyard Blessings Matters
Ensuring No Child Goes Hungry
The Impact of Childhood Hunger
Hunger is more than just an empty stomach; it is a barrier to a child’s overall development. When children do not receive adequate nutrition, their physical health, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being are all at risk. For many students in Walker County, school meals may be the only consistent source of food they receive. When the weekend comes, these children face the daunting reality of hunger, which can hinder their ability to focus, learn, and enjoy their childhood.
The effects of hunger extend far beyond the immediate discomfort of an empty stomach. Children who are chronically hungry are more likely to suffer from illnesses, experience developmental delays, and have difficulty concentrating in school. This lack of focus can lead to lower academic performance, decreased participation in extracurricular activities, and ultimately, reduced opportunities for future success. Moreover, the stress of not knowing where their next meal will come from can cause anxiety and emotional distress, affecting their mental health and overall happiness.
Breaking the Cycle of Hunger
At Backyard Blessings, we believe that no child should have to endure the challenges of hunger. Our weekend food program is designed to break the cycle of hunger by providing nutritious, easy-to-prepare food items that children can take home every Friday. By doing so, we are not just addressing a short-term need; we are investing in the long-term well-being of our children.
When children have reliable access to food, they are better able to concentrate in school, maintain good health, and engage fully in their education. This stability allows them to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed academically and socially. By ensuring that children are well-nourished, we help pave the way for a brighter future, where they can reach their full potential and contribute positively to their communities.