The “Food 2 Go 4 Kids” weekend backpack program is sponsored by the Ligonier Valley School District community which includes staff, students and their families, and community supporters. It is coordinated by the LVSD administration and staff.  Backpacks are filled with either easy to prepare meals or snacks for weekends to children who are pre-qualified. The program has been initiated in response to the high percentage of students with no access to the free school breakfast and/or lunch they receive during the week.

This wellness program is provided to students enrolled by their parents. Students will take home, every Friday, a backpack of nutritious, easy to use, child-friendly food. The food items may include granola bars, applesauce, canned pasta with flip top lids, canned fruit, raisins, cereal, Mac ‘n cheese, ramen noodle cups. In the LVSD, more than one-third of the student population is eligible for the program.

According to Morgan Stanley 2012 research, Fill the Plate – Feeding America: “one in four children in the U.S. doesn’t have enough to eat. For 17 million children, getting a wholesome meal after school or on the weekend is a struggle.”  Hunger leads to lack of motivation, lethargy, and decreased learning on Monday morning in the classroom. The “Food 2 Go 4 Kids” program will help alleviate hunger  so they are excited and ready to learn.