Nearly 2,000 children in Southeast Nebraska will leave school Sept. 3 with more than just homework in their backpacks. Through Food Bank of Lincoln’s Child Hunger Programs the bags will also carry easy to prepare meals and snacks, such as canned soups, fresh fruits, cereals and boxed dinners.
The program is designed to nourish children and families through the weekend when school meals are unavailable. The Food Bank of Lincoln will provide food-filled backpacks to participating students every Friday during the school year.
The program began in 2004 by serving 50 students and families at Clinton Elementary School in Lincoln and has grown to serving 1,984 students and families from 55 different schools each week this school year.