Weekend Power Packs

Each week, Food Bank partners assemble these backpacks for discreet distribution to students by social workers, counselors, teachers and school support staff. Power Packs contain a variety of protein, fruits and vegetables, snacks, milk, cereal, and other items that can be easily prepared at home — helping to ensure families have options when school meals are unavailable.

Weekend Power Packs began in 2005 with 30 students at a single school and has grown to support more than 14,000 children and teens across 200 campuses!

Programs like Weekend Power Packs got their start in Little Rock, Arkansas back in 1995. School staff observed that many students reported feeling sick or tired because they were hungry and did not have enough to eat at home. They connected with their local food bank to launch a program that provided non-perishable food for kids to take home for over the weekend.

Studies have consistently demonstrated the success of backpack programs. Analysis of programs in North Carolina, New Hampshire, and New Jersey showed a measurable increase in students’ math and reading scores, alongside positive impacts on self-esteem and behavior at school. Fewer parents report running out of money for food each month. And schools regularly observe improved academic performance and attendance — setting students on a path for success well into the future.