Mountaineer Food Bank’s Backpack Program helps ensure children have access to nutritious food when school is not in session.
For many kids, weekends can mean going without enough food—or without the healthy foods needed for proper growth and development.
Through this program, children receive snacks and meals to take home, helping bridge the gap between school meals and the next school week.
Why Nutrition Matters
Consistent access to nutritious food is essential for a child’s health and success. Without it, children may experience challenges such as:
- Impaired cognitive development
- Delayed growth and physical weakness
- Anemia and other nutrition-related health issues
When children receive proper nutrition, they are healthier, more focused, and better prepared to learn—leading to improved attendance, engagement, and academic success.
Partner With Us
Backpack Programs are operated by Mountaineer Food Bank agency partners throughout West Virginia. If your school or organization is interested in starting a BackPack Program, we invite you to learn more about joining our hunger-relief network.