Every movement begins with a moment—a spark that ignites action and inspires change. For Food Backpack for Kids (FBFK), that moment happened right here in Florence, Oregon in 2012, and it began with one child’s experience that no one in our community could ignore.

The story began when a local student came home from school, deeply distressed. He told his mother that one of his friends had spent the weekend searching for food in a dumpster—right here in Florence. This heartbreaking reality brought the hidden issue of childhood hunger into sharp focus for local families and community members. It was a wake-up call: hunger wasn’t just a distant problem; it was happening in our own backyard.

Determined to make a difference, a women’s group from a local church took the lead. They began researching the scope of the problem and reached out to the Siuslaw and Mapleton School Districts. Through collaboration, legwork, and a shared commitment to helping local children, they launched what would become the Food Backpack for Kids program. Their goal was simple: to ensure that every child in our schools would have enough to eat—especially on weekends when school meals weren’t available.

It started small, with volunteers packing discreet bags filled with nutritious, kid-friendly food and sending them home with students in need. Word spread, support grew, and what began as a grassroots response quickly evolved into a coordinated, community-wide effort.

Since those early days, FBFK has grown from serving a handful of students to supporting over 130 children each week during the school year. Our mission has always remained the same: to ensure that no child in Florence, Mapleton, or rural Coastal Lane County goes hungry. Every bag we pack is a testament to the compassion and generosity of our volunteers, donors, and local partners.

Our program is entirely volunteer-driven, and 100% of donated funds go directly to purchasing food. Each weekend, children receive carefully planned meal kits—filled with nutritious foods that are easy to prepare and tailored to their needs. We work closely with schools to distribute these packs discreetly, always prioritizing the dignity and privacy of the children we serve.

A Community United and Committed for the Long Term

The need in our region continues to grow, but so does our determination. As we look to the future, we remain committed to adapting, expanding, and reaching every child who needs us. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply share our story, you are part of this mission. Together, we can ensure that no child has to wonder where their next meal will come from.

From one child’s need to a community’s mission—and now, a lasting legacy—this is the story of Food Backpack for Kids. And with your help, it’s a story that keeps growing, one backpack and one child at a time.