The Y Healthy Kids Network (HKN) Backpack Program addresses the basic needs of students in Buckeye Valley by providing carriers of nutritious and easy-to-prepare food to take home on weekends when other resources may not be available. While free and reduced breakfast and lunch are available during the school week, unreliable access to food over the weekends can affect the level of food insecurity experienced by the student, increasing stress and decreasing productivity. Children who are hungry cannot concentrate on learning, have low energy, and have a reduced ability to fight off common childhood illnesses.
HKN launched the Backpack Pilot Program in January 2015, serving 65 elementary students in one Newark school. Today the program has expanded to serve over 600 students in 26 schools and 11 school districts in Licking and Muskingum Counties.
There are several advantages in the way the Backpack Program addresses the needs of hungry children:
Referrals are made by Teachers, School Social Workers, Administrators, and School Health Aides who can identify hungry children.
Children are not stigmatized because the food is given to them discreetly.
Food gets directly and immediately into the hands of hungry children.
Children receive food that is nutritious and easy to eat.
Children receive food with no questions asked and without bureaucratic requirements.
If you would like to find out more about the Y Healthy Kids Network or how you can help, please contact Gail Humbert at gail.humbert@bvfymca.org.