Food Backpacks 4 Kids

Our Story

The Food Backpacks 4 Kids program began on the Key Peninsula in 2009, with a mission to combat child hunger and food insecurity. What started as a small initiative packing nine backpacks for Evergreen Elementary School has grown into a vital resource for our community, distributing over 1.5 million pounds of nutritious food to children and their families. Over the years, dedicated volunteers from the Key Peninsula, Agnus Dei Lutheran Church, and Peninsula Lutheran Church have tirelessly worked to prepare backpacks for 14 schools in our district.

Adapting to Challenges

In March 2020, as the pandemic closed schools, Food Backpacks 4 Kids swiftly adapted by launching a drive-thru distribution program. Families received grocery bags filled with fresh, frozen, and nonperishable foods, ensuring that no child went hungry. This program ran for 18 months, leading to the opening of our Family Pantry in September 2021, where over 200 families can shop for groceries or receive home delivery.

Making a Difference

Today, Food Backpacks 4 Kids continues to send backpacks to younger children while providing meal options and snacks for middle and high school students through Care Cupboards. The organization has grown tremendously, remaining committed to its mission of serving the children in our community.

Impact

Since 2009, Food Backpacks 4 Kids has distributed over 1.5 million pounds of food, serving more than 100 families each week through our Family Pantry.

Why Donate?

Your generosity will help feed a hungry child. Contributions directly support our program, allowing us to provide more food to those in need within our community.

Get Involved

Join the fight against child hunger today! Donate cryptocurrency or cash to Food Backpacks 4 Kids and help make a difference in the lives of children and families in Key Peninsula and Gig Harbor.