At FBFK, our mission is simple yet vital: to ensure that no child in our community goes hungry. With the support of over 40 volunteers and countless donors, we’re able to discreetly provide nutritious weekend meals to more than 130 at-risk students in Florence and Mapleton during the school year. As we celebrate Global Child Nutrition Month, we’re reminded that our work is part of a larger movement to combat hunger and nourish futures—one child, one meal, and one community at a time.

Child Hunger: A Local and Global Crisis

Child hunger is a pervasive issue that transcends borders. Globally, millions of children go to bed hungry each night, their futures compromised by a lack of access to nutritious food. In the United States, the statistics are equally alarming. According to Feeding America, more than 9 million children face food insecurity, meaning they lack consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.

Here in Oregon, the numbers are even more startling. Nearly one in three children in our state struggles with hunger, a crisis that disproportionately affects rural areas like Coastal Lane County. For children in Florence and Mapleton, food insecurity isn’t just a statistic—it’s a daily reality that impacts their ability to learn, grow, and thrive.

The Role of Food Backpack for Kids

At Food Backpack for Kids, we’ve seen firsthand how hunger affects children in our community. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to bridge the gap, providing consistent access to nutritious food for students in need. Through our Kid-Friendly School-based Program, we distribute food at no charge to students, ensuring they have enough to eat over the weekend when school meals are unavailable.

Our program is built on the understanding that hunger doesn’t just affect a child’s physical health—it also impacts their emotional well-being, academic performance, and future opportunities. By addressing this critical need, we’re not just feeding children; we’re giving them the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.

The Power of Community

What makes FBFK’s work possible? The answer lies in the power of community. From the volunteers who pack and distribute meals each week to the donors who provide the financial resources needed to purchase food, every aspect of our program is driven by the collective efforts of individuals who believe in our mission.

Our all-volunteer staff is the backbone of our organization, dedicating countless hours to ensure that every child we serve receives the support they need. These volunteers are more than just helping hands—they’re advocates, champions, and change-makers who understand that no child should have to face hunger alone.

But it’s not just our volunteers who make a difference. Our donors play a critical role in sustaining our program, providing the funding needed to purchase healthy, balanced meals for the children we serve. Unlike traditional food drives, which rely on donated items, we purchase all the food we distribute to ensure it aligns with carefully planned menus that prioritize nutrition. This approach allows us to meet the unique dietary needs of the children we serve, providing them with meals that are not only filling but also nourishing.

How Global Child Nutrition Month Inspires Action

Global Child Nutrition Month is more than just a time to raise awareness—it’s an opportunity to inspire action. For FBFK, it’s a chance to celebrate the incredible work being done in our community while also shining a light on the ongoing need for support.

This month, we’re reminded that the fight against child hunger is far from over. While we’ve made significant progress, there are still children in our community who face food insecurity every day. By coming together as a community, we can continue to make a difference, ensuring that every child has access to the nutrition they need to thrive.

1. Donate: Financial contributions are the lifeblood of our program, allowing us to purchase the food we distribute each week. Every dollar makes a difference, helping us provide meals to children who might otherwise go hungry.

2. Volunteer: From packing food to administrative tasks, there are countless ways to get involved. Your time and talents can make a profound impact on the lives of children in our community.

3. Spread the Word: Awareness is a powerful tool in the fight against hunger. By sharing our mission with friends, family, and neighbors, you can help us reach more people who are passionate about making a difference.

A Shared Responsibility

As we observe Global Child Nutrition Month, it’s important to remember that the fight against child hunger is a shared responsibility. While organizations like FBFK play a critical role in addressing this issue, real change requires the collective efforts of individuals, businesses, and communities.

Here in Florence and Mapleton, we’ve seen what’s possible when a community comes together to support its most vulnerable members. Through the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our donors, and the resilience of the children we serve, we’ve built a program that not only feeds hungry kids but also inspires hope for a brighter future.

Conclusion

Global Child Nutrition Month serves as a powerful reminder of the work still to be done in the fight against child hunger. At Food Backpack for Kids, we’re proud to be part of this global movement, using the power of community to make a difference in the lives of children right here in Coastal Lane County.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to our mission of ensuring that no child in our community goes hungry. Together, we can continue to build a world where every child has access to the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive. After all, the power of community isn’t just about what we can achieve—it’s about the lives we can change along the way.