36% of children in the South Kitsap School District rely on free or reduced price lunches at their schools. For some of these kids, this is the most nutritional meal they receive all day. For others, it is the only meal they receive all day. Some of these children have little to no food to eat at home.
Backpacks for Kids is an organization out of First Christian Church that works with the South Kitsap School District and the Boys and Girls Club to provide food for these children over the weekends. Each week, packs are filled with practical, shelf stable and kid friendly foods. These packs are then delivered to the schools, where staff confidentially and discreetly distribute them. Programs such as this have been shown to increase attendance, decrease behavior problems, improve concentration abilities and improve academic achievement.
Program Facts
• Our average school year delivery is 350 packs per week.
• It costs about $5.00 to fill each pack.
• We are always seeking food and monetary donations.
We have very carefully chosen the food for each pack. Therefore, we ask that all food donations match items that are on this list. Every pack is filled with the
following items: 2 cans of tuna, 2 granola bars, 2 pudding cups, 2 fruit snacks, 2 boxes of macaroni & cheese, 2 ramen (not cup o noodles), 2 packs of instant oatmeal.
Donations Appreciated
Donations may be made via paypal at the www.backpacksfeedkids.org website or by mail to Backpacks For Kids c/o First Christian Church, 4885 SW Hovde Rd, Port Orchard, WA 98367 or food may be dropped off at First Christian Church, (Mon.- Fri., between 9 a.m. & 3 p.m.) *All money donated is tax deductible. Checks may be made out to “Backpacks for Kids”. ALL money donated is used to purchase food. Backpacks for Kids is supported by South Kitsap School District employees and the South Kitsap community. Questions? Need more information? Call Teri Goodwin at: 360-340-5692 or e-mail at: terimyers@hotmail.com
