THE PROBLEMIn Minnesota, 1 in 8 children struggle with hunger and experience food insecurity. According to the USDA, food insecurity is defined as not having consistent access to nutritious food to live an active and healthy lifestyle (2018). The effects of hunger can be both short and long term, and it can present itself in various ways, including missing meals, skipping meals, having less to eat at meals, etc.
Hunger can affect anyone, but the devastating reality of food insecurity can be felt all throughout a student’s life. When kids in our community go to school, they are able to receive a nutritious breakfast and lunch, but what happens when school is out? |
"My child started in the BackPack Food Program at a time where our family was not only struggling financially but emotionally. The happiness we felt when receiving the weekend packs was as important as the nutrition provided. "
-real testimonial from a local parent
THE SOLUTIONHere at FOCP, we believe that hunger should never be a barrier to success. Community funded and community led, the BackPack food program provides elementary school students with nutritious, well-balanced meals when school is out. Free food is distributed weekly in FOCP food packs (i.e. large freezer bags). With help from FOCP volunteers and staff, the food packs are discreetly delivered at the end of each week to the student's teacher. The packs are then placed into the student's backpack when they are out at recess or away from their lockers for them to take home for the weekend.
Student enrollment is open year-round. Students in grades K-5 are eligible for free meals from the BackPack Food Program. FOCP honors most allergies, dietary restrictions and culturally specific diets within our food packs. |