The Backpack Program By Emily Tilley

1 in 6 children in the U.S worry about when they will eat their next meal.

What are the Effects of Childhood Hunger in America? “A food-insecure family of four is estimated to need the equivalent of nearly 100 additional meals a month because they lack enough money to buy food.” “84% of households with at least one child served by the Feeding America network report purchasing the cheapest food available, even if it wasn’t the healthiest option to provide enough food for the household.” “20% of food-insecure children live in households that earn too much to qualify for most federal nutrition assistance—these families rely on charitable organizations like Feeding America to make ends meet.”

What Happens to a Child Facing Hunger? Studies have shown that it is critical for a child’s physical and emotional development to have the proper nutrition ,particularly in the first three years of life. Children from families struggling with hunger may be more likely to: Repeat a grade in elementary school. Experience developmental impairments in areas like language and motor skills. Have more social and behavioral problems.

The Potential Consequences of Food Shortages for Children Infancy and Development Children growing up in food insecure homes are vulnerable to poor health and stunted development. “Pregnant women who experience food shortages are more likely to experience birth complications.” “Inadequate access to food during pregnancy has been shown to increase the risk for low birth weight.” “Food insecurity has also been linked to delayed development, poorer attachment, and learning difficulties in the first years of life.” Health Concerns Studies have found that not having enough food has been associated with health problems for children that hinder their ability to function normally and/or participate fully in school and other activities. Food shortages can lead to: Hospitalization Higher risk for chronic health conditions. Anemia Asthma Oral health problems Poorer quality of life physically

The Potential Consequences of Food Shortages for Children Behavioral Changes Children who experience food shortages/insecurities are at higher risk for showing signs of behavioral issues and social difficulties. Behavioral problems may include: Tardiness Fighting Hyperactivity Aggression Anxiety Mood swings Bullying

Feeding America & The Backpack Program “More than 22 million children receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch Program and the National School Breakfast Program.” Sometimes, school meals are the only meals that kids who do receive free or reduced school meals receive. Feeding America is an organization dedicated to help diminish childhood hunger altogether. Through programs like the Backpack Program, more than 450,000 children are fed!

The Backpack Program History The first Backpack Program began in 1995. It was first developed in Little Rock, AR out of the concern of a school nurse who was seeing large numbers of children in her clinic who were tired, sick, and failing behind in class due to hunger and food scarcity in their homes. She partnered with the Arkansas Rice Depot and together they launched the Food for Kids program. This program provided kids food in discrete bags or backpacks to take home during the weekends when school meals were unavailable. Thus the Backpack Program began.

What does the Backpack Program Look Like Today? The Backpack Program hasn’t changed much since its creation in 1995. It is still a free program for both the school and the children in which children enrolled in the program are sent home with backpacks full of food that is easy to prepare and nutritious for the days when they are not in school and do not have the option to get a school provided meal.

What to Pack in a Backpack Backpacks that are sent home with kids usually mimic the food options that would be available at school. Therefore, you would need to provide the child: 2 Breakfast Options 2 Lunch Options 2 Snack Options 1 Fruit Option (usually in a can) 1 Vegetable Option (usually in a can) Things to consider when planning: The weight of the bag The packaging of the food The cooking utensils needed and the tools available to the child Only including nonperishable food Give every child the same brand, type, and flavor of food. Include community information or event flyers with the food Consider any possible allergies and/or health issues the child may have as well as the child’s cultural and religious background.

How Do I Get Involved? To request information on how you can get involved in your community and help grow and expand the Backpack Program, send an email to the Food Bank’s Program Coordinator, Erin King at eking@foodbankornea.org

References http://www.feedingamerica.org/about-us/helping-hungry-children/backpack- program/ http://foodbankofnea.org/backpack-program/