What's a Backpack Program?

I'm so blessed to have a pantry full of food....

Backpack programs have been used successfully in my surrounding communities to help feed kids in the area who may otherwise go hungry.  While school is back in session, there are only 1-2 meals a day provided by the schools; the rest are up to the parents to provide.  For families who are struggling to make ends meet, this may mean leaner than usual meals, or even none at all.

Our local backpack programs stuff backpacks full of tasty and nutritious items to help tide kids over during their hungriest times, including weekends.  I recently participated in a backpack stuffing, and some of the items we put in the packs included rice, peanut butter, and juice.

Here's a video showing how one woman, with Walmart's help, has been doing the same for kids in her community:



This example is just one of the many ways Walmart and its associates are giving back.  (Here is a page on their that tells even more amazing stories.)  Walmart is also committed to providing $2 Billion in cash and in-kind contributions for the effort against hunger through 2015!  That will help so many kids, won't it?

If you enjoy seeing the stories of those who have helped their communities, you might enjoy watching some additional videos.  They may inspire to start something good where you live!

(And if you are interested in starting today, I recommend this sheet of ideas to help everyone from the individual, all the way up to the government level, to get involved.  I particularly like the idea of partnering with your local food bank to hold a food party!)

How have you helped to end hunger in the U.S.?  I would love to hear if you are doing anything special (especially during the Halloween season) to give back to those who are in need!


*I am a participant in the Walmart Moms program. Walmart has provided me with compensation for my time on this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.