The Backpack Program

kidsaid_0002_Vector-Smart-ObjectKids Aids’ primary program is The Backpack Program. Many children go hungry on the weekend due to no fault of their own. So, the last meal these children have is Friday’s school lunch, and they don’t eat again until lunch on Monday. The Backpack Program attempts to bridge that gap by sending these children home with bags full of non-perishable foods. The food is kid-friendly— it can either be easily prepared by a child or eaten right from the package. Nutrition is always a consideration, as is providing a variety of foods each week. Currently, we serve approximately 2,000 children in our district every week.

 

Summer Program

We have a collaborative program with the District 51 Lunch Lizard mobile food trucks to make sure kids still have full bellies even when they’re on summer break. Free meals for all kids 18 and under are available at these Lunch Lizard trucks, which run specified routes and times.

Visit the Lunch Lizard website for the most up to date information regarding summer meals.

How Do I Sign Up?

To sign a child up for this program, simply contact the child’s school and ask for the Backpack Coordinator or talk to the child’s teacher. That’s it!

What Types of Food are Typically Sent Home?

  • Canned Pastas with meat: Ravioli or Spaghetti
  • Canned Protein: Tuna or Chicken
  • Canned Beans: Refried, Pinto, or Black
  • Dehydrated Fruit
  • Fruit: applesauce, fruit purees, fruit cups, canned fruits, raisins
  • Instant oatmeal
  • Cereal
  • Granola and/or Cereal Bars
  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Ramen Noodles
  • Trail mix
  • Jerky
  • Crackers
  • Cookies
  • Fresh apple or orange (pending availability)

*Children must pick up the food. No food bags will be distributed to adults.

**Only one bag per child per week.

How is the Food Distributed?

Volunteers deliver bags to Mesa County District 51 schools and sites by Friday morning or the last day of school for the week. The bags are discreetly given to the students to take home for the weekend.

When is the Food Distributed?

Stay tuned for our 2020-21 calendar

What Children Qualify for the bags of food?

There are no financial or other qualifications. If you are a hungry kid, we’ll feed you.

How is Kids Aid Supported?

Kids Aid is supported by tax-deductible contributions from individuals, businesses, and organizations. Kids Aid is not funded by the government.

Feedback

Whether you are currently, or have been a recipient of our Backpack Program, volunteer your time, donate, are involved with us in any capacity, or our mission simply resonates with you; we want to hear from you! We strive to be responsive to the needs of our community as we alleviate childhood hunger and we need your help to make that happen.
Please use the space below to share your experiences, suggestions, and/or concerns.