Food insecurity is more than an issue for adults in Jefferson County. Hunger also affects children in our community.
Jefferson County schools offer breakfast and lunch programs for school-age children throughout the academic year. However, while these assist hungry children during the school week, those same children leave school every Friday only to find themselves needing food.
Backpack Buddies is a Supplemental Food Assistance program that provides children with food for their weekends. Together with other Jefferson County churches, we collect foodstuffs (or cash donations) to fill backpacks for kids who need extra sustenance over the weekend. Currently, we fill approximately 60 backpacks each week. Our greatest hope is that every child (regardless of age) will be fed.
Backpack Buddies Stock Pantry Items
Jars of Peanut Butter
Raisins or other Dried Fruit
Cereal Bars/Granola Bars
Dry Cereal & Oatmeal packets
Snack Packets (pretzels, crackers, fruit bars, etc.)
Cans of Soup or Vegetables
Instant Potatoes or Rice
Cans of Ready-to-Eat Pasta
Canned Chicken, Tuna, or Vienna Sausages
Fruit Cups or Fruit Juice
Download the Backpack Buddies Pantry List >>>