Backpack Nutrition Program

At this time, the Backpack Nutrition Program is not accepting new volunteers.

Many kids in Hartford receive free lunch throughout the week at school, but struggle to find enough food to eat on the weekends. Our Backpack Nutrition Program distributes backpacks containing four meals, drinks and snacks to children each Friday during the school year, plus weekly enhancements such as fresh fruit, nutrition resource information and school supplies. We currently serve over 225 children at 8 local schools in the city.

Key Volunteer Responsibilities

Properly pack and assemble backpacks to ensure there are sufficient numbers before weekly delivery
Sort produce according to weekly delivery schedule
Organize and clean up backpack area after finishing packing backpacks
Restock and organize food as necessary
Weigh and properly store incoming food donations
Follow the “First In, First Out” model of organizing
Ability to adapt in a diverse atmosphere
Ideally, able to lift a minimum of 30lbs