In 2021, Elizabeth and her mom Francis were really struggling. Elizabeth was diagnosed with severe autism, and they had no extended family left to help or any support from Elizabeth’s dad.

For Francis, despite her degree and experience, work was not an option. All her time was spent juggling appointments, responding to calls from school to take Elizabeth home for the day, and managing her daughter’s unique needs.

Francis gives everything so Elizabeth can have the best chance in life. But money is so tight, they simply don’t have enough for the food they need. And, sadly, some other food programs dropped Francis and Elizabeth because they’ve needed help for “too long.” 

Backpack Buddies has stood by Elizabeth for 4 years. Francis puts it simply: “Backpack Buddies is our lifeline. They’re the only ones who have provided continued support. With everything that’s happening, at least I know Elizabeth won’t go hungry. ”

Backpack Buddies shows up week in and week out for kids like Elizabeth and parents like Francis, who are doing their best every single day. We keep our promise to be there for children as long as they need us.

Sometimes life takes unexpected turns that change everything. For some, that means facing hunger for the first time in their lives.

Mikayla and Alex, ages 5 and 8, haven’t always experienced hunger. But that changed when their dad, Tim, passed away from cancer. Suddenly, money was very tight, and meals became uncertain.

That’s when Backpack Buddies stepped in. With food every weekend, Mikayla and Alex don’t have to worry about hunger on top of their grief.

“It’s a huge weight off my shoulders,” their mom, Jessie, told us. “I feel so much more secure knowing Mikayla and Alex will have snacks for school tomorrow or food over the weekend.” 

Identifying images and details have been changed by Backpack Buddies to protect the privacy of families who have generously shared their stories with us.

Last year, single dad Craig got full custody of his two girls, 12-year-old Jaden and 10-year-old Gwen. After years of uncertainty, the girls finally had a safe and stable home where they could grow and flourish.

But as they worked together to build their new family, finances were tight – especially at first. Craig did everything he could to make sure the girls had what they needed. 

But sometimes it wasn’t enough.

When Jaden and Gwen started their first year at a new school, they discovered Backpack Buddies. The weekly bags of kid-friendly food became a source of consistency and nourishment they could count on.

“Knowing Backpack Buddies was in our corner made building our new life together so much easier.” – Craig

Identifying images and details have been changed by Backpack Buddies to protect the privacy of families who have generously shared their stories with us.