Backpack Buddies is a community-driven initiative dedicated to ensuring that middle school students don’t face hunger during weekends. Understanding that many young people rely on school meals as their primary source of nutrition, this program steps in to bridge the gap when school is not in session. Every Friday, Backpack Buddies provides these students with a discreetly packed backpack filled with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food items.
The program is designed to address food insecurity in a compassionate and practical manner.
Each backpack contains a selection of shelf-stable, healthy foods such as canned fruits and vegetables, whole-grain snacks, and protein-rich options. The goal is to offer enough variety to cover three meals and a few snacks, ensuring students have what they need to stay energized and focused when they return to school.
Community volunteers and local businesses play a crucial role in the success of Backpack Buddies. Volunteers help with packing and distributing the backpacks, while local businesses contribute food and funds to sustain the initiative. School counselors and social workers discreetly identify students in need, maintaining the dignity and privacy of each family.
By addressing weekend food insecurity, Backpack Buddies helps students return to school on Monday ready to learn and thrive. The program not only combats hunger but also fosters a supportive community environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed. With Backpack Buddies, weekends are a time for nourishment, growth, and the assurance that no student has to go hungry.
More than a third of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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Materials cost
$724.16
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$49.97
3rd party payment processing fee
$10.86
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$814.99
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$143.82
Total project goal
$958.81
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$958.81
12 Donors
-$630.00
Donations toward project cost
-$538.00
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$92.00
Matching donations from our partners
-$325.87
Match offers toward project cost
-$276.99
Match offers to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Danielson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
