PowerPak 4 Kids

In 2009-2010, the Wichita Falls Area Food Bank partnered with 26 schools and many program supporters to provide easy-open grocery items to children who might otherwise go without food on weekends. Schools were chosen based on need, as supported by  enrollment rates in the free/reduced lunch program.  The Food Bank supplied food that was tucked discreetly into participants' backpacks, sparing them the stigma of poverty that many low-income children face among their peers. 

How Program Works

•    Chronically hungry children are identified by teachers and staff at their school.
•     Backpacks are filled with food that children take home on weekends.
•     Food items distributed are “child Friendly” items, such as pop-top pasta, granola bars, shelf-stable milk, cereal and fruit cups.
•     Backpacks are discretely distributed to children on the last day before the weekend or  holiday

Program Objectives

• To provide children at-risk of hunger with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food for consumption at their place of residence
• To distribute food within safe sites that offer easy access to the children being served
• To involve additional resources and partners in order to assure sustainability of the program

How Do Kids Benefit? 

• Improved school performance
• Reduced school absenteeism
• Better concentration in classroom
• Relief from weekend hunger