WHAT IS BACKPACK BUDDIES?

BackBack Buddies feeds hungry children! While it is commonly assumed that we live in an affluent area, food insecurity is a problem in Bluffton and surrounding areas. In Beaufort County 1 in 5 children live in poverty while 3 in 10 children in Jasper County live in poverty. Our goal is help chronically hungry school children by providing nutritious food on a reliable and sustainable basis. While there are numerous BackPack Buddies programs nationwide, BackPack Buddies of Greater Bluffton and Hardeeville is a unique, independent organization serving over 1200 children and their families in Bluffton and Hardeeville throughout the year. Bags and Boxes of food and fresh produce are distributed to children from Pre-k to High School during the school year. In summer, the children and their families come to the Bluffton Farmers Market to choose fresh produce and receive a bag of groceries. Newly beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, each family receives a voucher to shop for food when children are home from school.