BackPack Program FAQS
What is the BackPack Program?
What do you mean by “chronically hungry”?
How does the BackPack Program work?
What kind of food is sent in the backpacks?
How are schools selected to participate in the program?
How can I support the BackPack Program?
I am thinking of starting a BackPack Program. What should I do?
What is the BackPack Program?
The BackPack Program is a national program of the Feeding America network, which meets the needs of chronically hungry children during weekends and school vacations when school meals are not provided and community resources for emergency food assistance is limited. Back to top.
What do you mean by “chronically hungry”?
Chronically hungry refers to a child who goes without adequate amounts of food or nourishment repeatedly. For a sample list of common indicators of chronic hunger, click here. Back to top.
How does the BackPack Program work?
NIFB partners with schools in communities where the emergency food distribution network does not adequately meet the demand. School professionals identify children who are exhibiting signs of chronic hunger or families experiencing extenuating circumstances. Each week NIFB volunteers pack the child friendly food items selected to provide three nutritious meals per weekend day for the child and two family members. The food is packed in bags which are then delivered directly to the schools by an NIFB driver. The school staff put the bags into the NIFB provided students’ backpacks on Friday afternoons. The following week children are responsible for bringing the empty backpack back to school for the next week’s distribution. Back to top.
What kind of food is sent in the backpacks?
Each backpack contains two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners for an average family of three. All items are shelf-stable and child friendly. Local university students have analyzed menu selections and make recommendations to increase the nutritional value of food provided to children. Each backpack weighs roughly 11lbs. For a sample menu please click here. Back to top.
How are schools selected to participate in the program?
NIFB targets schools with a high percentage of low-income children and where other sources of emergency food are limited. NIFB also responds to individual requests. Back to top.
How can I support the BackPack Program?
The BackPack Program is funded solely through grants and financial contributions. If interested in donating to the BackPack Program please contact Hester Bury.
If interested in coming to NIFB to volunteer and help assemble the backpacks, please contact the volunteer department. Back to top.
I am thinking of starting a BackPack Program. What should I do?
You should contact Northern Illinois Food Bank to learn more about childhood hunger in your community and ways that you can get involved. The BackPack Program is not the best solution for every community or every child and family but every child should have access to nutritious food. The BackPack Program is a trademarked program of the Feeding America network. Please contact NIFB for further information. Back to top.