BackPack Program Could Be Your Ticket To FREE Groceries
(DailyDig.com) – No person should ever have to face the thought of skipping meals, but sometimes families facing financial difficulties have to make hard choices. To help reduce the impact of food insecurity, there are numerous programs that provide nutritious food options. One such program for children is the BackPack Program.
What is the BackPack Program?
The BackPack Program sends food home with school aged children on the weekends and over school breaks. This program helps alleviate the worry that children will not be able to eat while they are out of school. BackPack Programs are often hosted at, and supported by schools, but they are also supported by local food banks, private donors, religious organizations, and other community programs. Volunteers will collect and sort food and distribute the backpacks to children.
While some programs may include perishable items, many try to provide non-perishable, easily prepared meals. The food items will vary based on donations, but may include:
- cereal, oatmeal, grits
- fruit cups
- microwavable mac & cheese, canned soup, ramen noodles
- snacks like granola bars or crackers
- beverages like as milk or juice
How Do You Participate in the BackPack Program?
To participate in the BackPack Program, potential recipients should reach out to their child’s school. Schools will often qualify students for the program based on their participation in the free or reduced breakfast or lunch programs. Other organizations that handle their own BackPack Program may have different, or no, qualifiers. The meals are generally sent home on a Friday afternoon for the weekend, or on the last day before the holiday school break.
If the school does not have a BackPack Program, the individual should reach out to their local food bank. A food bank will explain what options they provide and can often direct families to other appropriate community resources. These programs exist to help families provide healthy food options and reduce hunger and food insecurity. Families in need should not hesitate to find a program that can help reduce the burden of providing food for their children.
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