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Children receiving weekend food backpacks

Backpack Buddies Weekend Food Program

Weekly during the school year (September - June)

Backpack Buddies provides food-insecure children with backpacks filled with nutritious, easy-to-prepare meals and snacks for weekends and school breaks when school meals are unavailable.

Program Details

  • Discreetly distributed through partner schools every Friday
  • Each backpack contains 6 meals and snacks for the weekend
  • Foods selected for child-friendliness and nutritional value
  • No cooking required - all items can be eaten cold or at room temperature

Impact

Currently serving 2,400 children at 45 schools across Riverside County. Teachers report improved attendance, behavior, and academic performance among participating students.