The Backpack Program is a project of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan which attempts to reduce child hunger, educate about proper nutrition and promote healthy lifestyles.  The program provides children who are at-risk of hunger, with a backpack of nutritious food every weekend throughout the school year.

The program began in 2004 with 50 backpacks in 2 elementary schools.  Now the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan serves almost 1200 children in 21 schools from 3 different counties.

How Does it Work?

Volunteers and site personnel are essential in order to have a successful Backpack Program.  Helpers will be involved in each of the following steps.

1. Receiving the food delivery.

2. Breaking down cases into individual units.

3. Distributing the food into the backpacks according to the site instructions.

4. Distributing the backpacks to the children.

5. Collecting backpacks the following week for another cycle.

What Types of Items Go into a Backpack?

Depending on the site and funding source, here’s what the Food Bank

considers when selecting Backpack products;

 •single serving              •tasty                •individually wrapped    

 •shelf stable •nutritious •kid friendly

•easy to prepare •microwaveable

What food groups are included in the Backpack?

Each Backpack contains food products from the following groups;

Fruits and/or Vegetables

Dairy

Grain

Protein

For more information Contact Jerry Crago

jcrago@secondharvest.org or (810) 239-4441