Since 2015 we've grown from a single backpack of food into a network of programs that nourish, educate, and uplift children across New York City.
Our Weekend Food Backpack program ensures children from food-insecure households have nutritious meals when school meals aren't available. Children are identified quietly by school social workers and parent coordinators, and families receive their food packages discreetly each week — so kids return to school on Monday ready to learn.
Placed in schools and community spaces in underserved neighborhoods, our book vending machines give children the joy of choosing a book to take home and keep. By making books easy and exciting to access, we nurture a lifelong love of reading and set children up for academic success.
When temperatures drop, our coat giveaways help keep children in our community warm and comfortable through the coldest months — one more way we look after the whole child, not just a single need.
Our cereal drives gather breakfast staples for families we serve, helping make sure children begin the day nourished and ready to focus, learn, and play.
When a challenge arises in our community, we are there to help. Our emergency assistance meets families in moments of urgent need with food, essentials, and connection to the right resources.
We work hand in hand with local schools, educators, businesses, and community leaders to identify needs and respond where it matters most — creating connections and bridges to help wherever we are needed.
A simple, discreet process connects children in need with weekly nourishment — and better days in the classroom.
When school dismisses on Friday afternoons, more than 16 million children across America leave their classrooms not knowing if they or their family will have food to eat over the weekend.
Children are chosen quietly by school social workers and parent coordinators. Parents are then contacted and offered our program. If accepted, our children are discreetly given their food packages each week.
Our weekend food backpacks help children return to school on Monday mornings ready to learn — with more focus and concentration, leading to grade improvement, less absenteeism, and fewer sick days.