Backpack Buddy is a program that provides "kid friendly" foods to schoolchildren from low-income families on weekends when they don't receive free or reduced-price school lunches and school breakfasts.  The Dare to Care Food Bank provides the backpacks and the foods to area schools.  Our nutritionist creates weekly menus to provide a balanced assortment of food. 

Each Friday, a teacher or school counselor will fill up the students backpacks with nutritious foods for the children to take home and enjoy.  On Monday, the backpacks are returned to the schools.  Currently, the program operates in 12 schools in Jefferson County and 4 schools in Bullitt County.

In 2007, the "Backpack Buddy" program was honored from among 120 similar programs nationwide with the America's Second Harvest "Circle of Excellence" Award.

"BACKPACK BUDDY"  FAQ'S:

WHAT KIND OF FOOD GOES INTO THE BACKPACKS?

Typically we provide a variety of items including microwaveable pasta or chili, beans & franks, tuna, hot or cold cereal, shelf stable milk, mixed fruit cups, fruit juice boxes, pudding, granola bars, and crackers.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FILL A BACKPACK?

The Dare to Care Food Bank spends about $3 per backpack of food.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO SUPPORT THIS PROGRAM?

With your financial donation, we can make bulk purchases of individually packaged, nutritious foods. It's the most

economic way to make sure that we get quality food that the children will really eat.

CAN I DONATE FOOD ITEMS?

Because of nutritional and dietary requirements, we are very careful about the foods we provide in the backpacks.  For example, we insist on 100% fruit juice boxes, rather that fruit drinks. Your financial support is the best way to guarantee the health, safety and freshness of the food items.

DO YOU NEED VOLUNTEERS?

We can always use groups of 6-10 volunteers for at least two hours to help pre-pack the bags of food that go into the backpacks.