Child Hunger Programs

Backpack Program

This program addresses the needs of school children at chronic risk for hunger by providing backpacks of food for consumption during non-school times. Backpacks are stocked with 10-12 nutritious, child-friendly, easy-to-prepare items from each of the food groups and are distributed discreetly on Fridays or the last day before a school break. Currently, 1,536 children at 19 schools are receiving backpacks weekly and funding is being sought to expand this program.

9-A-Day the Head Start Way

9-A-Day refers to the recommended number of fruits and vegetables the average person should consume daily. Through this program, schools receive produce, nutritious snacks and meals prepared by Head Start food staff. Additionally, the LSU Agricultural Center provides preschool nutrition curriculum materials and training, and surveys the impact of the program on the young children it serves. Currently, 1,247 students, caregivers and staff are served by 9-A-Day.

For more information on the Backpack Program or 9-A-Day the Head Start Way, contact Paige Vance, Community Outreach Manager at 504.729.2851.

Summer Feeding Program

The mission of Second Harvest Food Bank’s Summer Feeding Service Program is to help alleviate child hunger in the Greater New Orleans area by providing nutritious meals to hungry children over the summer, when they do not have access to free and reduced-priced school meals.  Organizations sponsored by Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana will receive freshly-prepared, nutritious breakfast and lunch each day during their summer programming.  All meals meet nutrition requirements as dictated by the USDA and are prepared daily by the culinary staff and volunteers at the Community Kitchen.

Since 2010, Second Harvest has distributed over 279,000 meals to over 50 sites in the Greater New Orleans area.  The goal for summer 2013 is to distribute over 270,000 meals to camps and summer programs throughout the New Orleans area.  Click here for more information on how to get involved with the Summer Feeding program. 
 
Kids Cafe Program
Second Harvest launched the Kids Cafe program in January 2012. The goal for Kids Cafe is to distribute supper meals to children enrolled in after school programs in at-risk areas throughout the New Orleans area.  All sites receive freshly prepared supper meals on a daily basis.  All meals served are reimbursed through the Louisiana Department of Education Child and Adult Care Food Program.