Thousands of children rely on free and reduced-price lunches at school, but their food needs often go unmet over the weekend. Studies show children who face food insecurity are more likely to experience health problems, learning difficulties and anxiousness or irritability. The Food Bank’s Children’s Programs provide meals and snacks for students to take home to meet the nutritional gap caused by the weekend.

School Markets are pantries located directly in schools, and they provide food for family-style meals to students and their households in need. School Markets offer students the dignity of choice, and since food insecurity doesn’t happen in a bubble, they support whole-child wellness by providing food for the entire family. Buddy Packs are pre-packaged bags that include a variety of food each week — with items like easy-to-make meals, cereal and peanut butter.

The Food Bank’s Children’s Programs provide food to more than 7,000 children regularly throughout the academic year. To reach as many students as possible, The Food Bank works with nearly 200 school partners.

Each $1 donated can help provide at least four meals to children and and their households.