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 Program provide meals and snacks for students to take home at the end of each school week 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 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 Childrens Programs provide food to 7,500 children each week during 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 their families through School Markets, and a donation of $270 will help provide Buddy Packs to one student for a full school year.