A Sense of Stability

Every Friday, as students pack up their schoolwork, some also take home something just as important: food they can count on when school meals aren’t available.

Second Harvest’s Backpack Program helps bridge the gap between the school day and weekends, holidays, and other breaks. Children who receive free or reduced-price school meals may face uncertainty when the cafeteria closes. Backpacks filled with healthy, kid-friendly food go home with them at the end of the week, helping ensure those students don’t face hunger when school is out.

We currently deliver weekly food support to more than 2,100 students across 22 schools in South Louisiana.

Your support helps make this routine steady and respectful. At many schools, staff place backpacks quietly on hooks outside classrooms while students are inside. Food shows up consistently, week after week.

Educators see the impact firsthand. At Norco Elementary, school counselor Stacey Noel shares, “Many students eagerly wait every Friday to take their food home, with some even asking to make sure it’s being delivered. This food program provides our children with a sense of relief, knowing they won’t go hungry over the weekend or during extended breaks.”

That relief goes beyond food. At Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet, Dr. Fountain has watched the program support families through difficult moments. “Knowing their children have food to take home not only eases the burden on parents, but also gives students a sense of stability,” she says. One student told her they “don’t have to worry about being hungry on Saturday anymore.” Teachers notice that these same students often return on Mondays focused and ready to learn.

Because of you, children have more than meals. They have reassurance, stability, and one less worry to carry home.

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