Backpack Program
Backyard Blessings Backpack Program is the cornerstone of our efforts to combat childhood hunger in Walker County.
Filling the Weekend Gap
Many children in Walker County rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition during the week. However, when the weekend arrives, these children face the uncertainty of hunger. Our Backpack Program is designed to fill this gap by providing students with nonperishable, child-friendly food items that they can take home every Weekend. This food is discreetly packed into bags that students can easily carry in their backpacks, allowing them to enjoy nutritious meals and snacks over the weekend.
Step-by-Step Process
A Simple, Effective Approach
Identify Students
We work closely with public schools across Walker County to identify students who may be at risk of food insecurity. Teachers and school administrators help us pinpoint the children who would benefit most from our program.
Pack Food Items
Volunteers gather to pack nonperishable food items into our food bags that are delivered to schools. On that same day, BYB food bags go home with children that are looking forward to having these backpack meals for the weekend!
Distribute on Thursday & Fridays
Every Thursday & Friday, the packed food bags are distributed discreetly to the identified students. The children place these bags into their backpacks, taking home the food they need to stay nourished over the weekend.
Weekend Meals
With the food provided through the Backpack Program, students can enjoy balanced meals and snacks until they return to school on Monday. This consistency helps reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with not knowing where their next meal will come from.
What’s in the Bags?
Breakfast Items:
Instant oatmeal, grits, or single-serve cereals
Lunch/Dinner Items:
Chicken Noodle Soup, Mac & Cheese Cup, Microwaveable Pasta, and Beans & Weiners
Snacks:
Crackers, fruit cups, cereal bars, and snack cake.
The Impact of the Backpack Program
More Than Just Food
How You Can Help
Join Us in the Fight Against Hunger
The success of the Backpack Program relies on the support of our community. There are many ways you can get involved and help us continue to make a difference in the lives of children in Walker County:
- Volunteer: Help us pack and distribute food bags each week.
- Donate: Your financial contributions allow us to purchase the food items that go into each bag.
- Spread the Word: Raise awareness about the Backpack Program and the issue of childhood hunger in our community.
By working together, we can ensure that every child in Walker County has access to the food they need to grow, learn, and thrive.
