Backpack Program

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Backpack Program

The Backpack Program is an undertaking of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan which attempts to reduce child hunger, educate students on proper nutrition and promote healthy lifestyles. Each weekend,children receive backpacks of nutritious foods to supplement weekend meals at home through the Food Bank’s Backpack Program.

Designed to provide extra support during weekends for children who typically receive free or reduced priced lunches at school, this innovative program is currently helping families in Flint, Lapeer and Midland.

The program provides children who are at-risk of hunger, nutritious food every weekend throughout the school year. The program began in 2004 with 50 backpacks in 2 elementary schools. Currently 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 Sarah Heirman at (810) 239-4441

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