Thousands of children in Kentucky live in homes where an adequate amount of food isn't a guarantee. Feeding America, Kentucky's Heartland launched a backpack program six years ago in Hardin County, and it has since spread to 33 counties. Development Director Tami Delaney says backpacks of non-perishable food go home to those who may not have enough to eat when school isn't in session.
"A lot of children in this program are on free or reduced lunch. When those meals are unavailable on the weekends, sometimes they're going home to bad situations where food might not be in the cupboards, mom or dad, or grandma might not have enough money to provide food."
Delaney says the program can only help as many children as donations will allow. Feeding America has identified about 5,000 children who could benefit, but currently has sponsorships for only 3,000. Individual sponsorships are $100 for the school year, which equals out to about $2.50 a week. To donate or learn more about the program, click here.
