BackPack Buddies is a nationwide program created initially by Feed America to address the nutritional needs of chronically hungry school children. All school children receive free breakfast and lunch at school, but these food insecure children are likely to have little food at home for the evening and weekend. BackPack Buddies help fill that void by providing a consistent, reliable source of food including both shelf-staple items and fresh produce.


Hungry children cannot focus and learn, their physical development suffers, and their health and emotional well-being are compromised. By addressing childhood hunger from an early age, the hope is that they will be better prepared and motivated to continue their education and to develop the skills to achieve. The community, as well as the children, benefits with healthier children, lower school drop-out rates, less crime, and less dependence on community resources.