BackPack for Kids Program
 

What is the BackPack for Kids Program?

Throughout the school year the Cleveland Foodbank partners with school and afterschool programs to provide children with food to take home over the weekend. At the end of each week throughout the school year, the backpacks are filled with nutritious food of which are discreetly sent home with each child for the weekend. At the beginning of the year, all children receive a new backpack and can opener. The program is operated with respect for the children’s confidentiality.

Each child receives enough food for six full meals. Every week Cleveland Foodbank volunteers pack six child friendly meals into plastic bags that are then delivered to our partner sites.  These packages may include a variety of items such as cereal, a protein source such as tuna, peanut butter, or beef stew, canned vegetables and fruit, soup, pasta and sauce, juice boxes, and a snack such as peanut butter crackers or yogurt snacks. The backpacks are also used to share nutrition education with the children’s families to reinforce healthy eating habits and lifestyles at home.

On average around 2,300 children each week receive backpacks from the Cleveland Foodbank.
 

Learn more about the BackPack for Kids Program objectives and requirements by reading the BackPack for Kids Fact Sheet.

How can I help?
• Just $4 will provide enough food for a child for an entire weekend. $16 will feed a child each weekend for a month. Through your generous donations to the BackPack for Kids Program you will be partnering with the Cleveland Foodbank to help us reach children in a safe accessible environment who are at-risk for hunger. Donate today!

• Volunteer your time. Volunteers are an integral part of our operation. Volunteer today!

• Organize a backpack food drive at your company, church, club or organization. Below is a list of much needed items for our BackPack for Kids Program.

BackPack for Kids Food Donation Wish List: Granola Bars/Breakfast Bars                            6 oz. cans of fruit           Macaroni & Cheese                                                                       Single serve boxes of cereal                            100% Juice boxes Crackers (individual serving packages)            Peanut Butter                                                  6 oz. cans of meat (tuna, chicken or beef)       Canned soups Contact Us If you have any questions regarding the BackPack Program please contact: Thea DeRosa, Director of Programs                              216.738.2127, tderosa@clevelandfoodbank.org            Alonzo Vance, Children’s Program Coordinator 216.738.2136, avance@clevelandfoodbank.org