Backpack Program- How it Works!

Our backpack program has been an integral part of Food For Thought since the beginning. It takes time, effort and countless volunteers to cover each step of the backpack program to ensure that 3,000 kids in Okaloosa and Walton counties receive their backpack.

Food insecure children leave school for the weekend knowing that their next meal isn't guaranteed until the next school day. That means nearly 7 meals are missed before they return to school on Monday expected to show up ready to engage with their peers and learn from their teachers. The backpack program alleviates the stress on a hungry children providing a sense of security knowing food is going home with them for the weekend. We are dedicated to empowering children to get the most out of their education and help them develop along with their peers. 

Every day of the week has set tasks that are necessary to complete to get the backpacks from FFT to the students!

Monday & Tuesday- Volunteers help the FFT staff count and sort backpacks in the Destin and Santa Rosa Beach pantries. Inventory is taken of food to set up the packing assembly line.

Wednesday- Volunteer groups pack over 1,600 backpacks in the Destin pantry to be distributed to the Okaloosa county schools on Thursday. 

Thursday- Volunteers load up the FFT vans, Norma and Betty, or their vehicle to distribute backpacks to Okaloosa schools. The Santa Rosa Beach pantry is busy with volunteer groups packing over 1,200 bags to be distributed to Walton county schools on Friday. 

Friday- Volunteers load up Norma and Betty or their vehicle to distribute backpacks to Walton county schools. By Friday afternoon 3,000 backpacks have been delivered to 32 schools to ensure kids don't go hungry through the weekend. 

 Our mission to fight child hunger is supported by dedicated volunteers and donors. If you're interested in getting involved with the backpack program check out our website for more information or contact us at volunteer@fftfl.org