Fueling Futures
One Weekend at a Time
Hunger-Free Schools
For many children on the South Shore, the meals they receive at school are their only reliable source of nutrition. The weekend can be a time of hunger and anxiety, making it difficult to return to the classroom on Monday ready to learn. Our Hunger-Free Schools program is designed to bridge that weekend gap, providing nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to ensure students can rest, recharge, and return to school with confidence.
This program is about more than just filling a backpack; it’s about equalizing the playing field for every child. By providing consistent access to food, we aim to improve a child's attention, attendance, peer relationships, and sense of self-worth. It’s a simple, powerful way to invest in their future.
From Our Board
“There was a problem with children going home on weekends without food. So we started the backpack program — and the feedback from parents is that it’s a game changer in their lives.”
Kevin Donovan, Board Member
HOW IT WORKS
Our model is built on a discreet and dignified partnership with local schools to ensure children feel supported, not singled out.
Weekend Meal Kits
Volunteers gather to pack bags with kid-friendly weekend snacks and simple, easy-to-prepare meals.
Dignified & Discreet Distribution
Teachers tuck the food bags directly into students' backpacks or school lockers, ensuring their privacy is always protected.
Future Innovation: Hunger-free Lockers
We are currently developing our next initiative, a "Hunger-Free Lockers" program, to provide on-demand access to food for older students in a way that is modern and stigma-free.
Partnership
with Heroes
We collaborate directly with teachers and school staff, the true heroes of this program, who discreetly identify students in need and manage the distribution process.
The Impact
450 students
In 2023, the program provided weekend food for 450 students across 10 elementary, middle, and high schools.
38,713 lbs
Over 38,713 lbs of food was sent home with students during the 2023 school year.
+ 156%
We have seen a 156% increase in participation since 2019, demonstrating the growing need and the trust our community has in this program.
How You Can Help Create a Better Monday Morning
Sponsor a Backpack
Your donation helps us purchase kid-friendly food to fill a backpack for a local student for one weekend.
Volunteer to Pack Bags
Join one of our community packing events. It’s a fun, hands-on way to make a direct impact.
Host a Food Drive
Rally your office, neighborhood, or civic group to host a food drive specifically for nutritious, non-perishable, kid-friendly items.
