About this program
For many kids, the school cafeteria is the most reliable meal of the day — which means Friday afternoon can be the start of a hungry weekend. The Backpack Program quietly closes that gap by sending kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare groceries home with students before the weekend and school breaks, so a missed school meal doesn't turn into a missed meal at home.
Bags are packed with shelf-stable staples and, when a partner farm has a fresh harvest ready, produce grown in one of our own hydroponic classrooms. Families opt in through their school, and distribution is handled discreetly through school staff so no student is singled out.
How it works
- 01
Families opt in through school
A school counselor or staff member identifies students who could use weekend food support and enrolls their family with parent consent.
- 02
Bags are packed weekly
Volunteers and staff pack bags of shelf-stable groceries, adding fresh produce from our hydroponic farms when a harvest is ready.
- 03
Discreet school-day distribution
Bags go home with students before the weekend through the school's existing routine, so participation stays private.
- 04
Repeats through the school year
The cycle continues through the school year and extended breaks, whenever families remain enrolled.
Who it serves
Students and their families at partner schools across Southeast Kansas who could use extra food support over weekends and school breaks.
Get involved with Backpack Program
Volunteer, partner with us, or give — every bit keeps this program running.
Your gift keeps Backpack Program running.