BackPack Program

The Brazos Valley Food Bank’s BackPack Program works to address childhood hunger by providing food to children at risk of going hungry over the weekend in 6 counties (Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Madison, Robertson and Washington). Through the BackPack program, bags of food are provided to partners - schools during the school year, and youth programs over the summer. Every Friday, the Brazos Valley Food Bank’s BackPack partners distribute bags of nutritious, shelf stable food to children to ensure that they have access to food when school meals are unavailable. These Backpacks provide children not only with needed nourishment, but also with self-confidence and a self-assured start to the school week.

This past school year the Brazos Valley Food Bank distributed on average 1,800 BackPacks each week through 41 partner schools, for a total of 58,000 BackPacks distributed during the 2021-2022 school year. 

What’s in a BackPack?

Each BackPack contains approximately 14 easy to prepare food items – enough food for 6 meals and 2 snacks for one child. Each week the exact food in the BackPack differs as there is a rotating menu; however, the structure is the same each week: 2 milk, 2 cereal, 2 juice, 2 protein items, 1 Easy Mac, 1 fruit, 1 vegetable, 1 oatmeal, and 2 snack items. 

Ways To Get Involved

Volunteer

In order to get the BackPacks out to the children, the food first needs to be sorted and packed. Click on “Volunteer” to learn more about how you can help the BackPack program through volunteering.

Donate

Become A BackPack Partner Site

For teachers, school staff, and site staff that are interested in becoming a BackPack Partner Site, click the link to learn more and apply.