In the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s eight-county service region, it is estimated that 1 in 6 children may experience food insecurity.

The Foodbank’s Feeding Kids Initiative fights childhood hunger through backpack programs, after-school snack programs and school-based food pantries. The Feeding Kids Initiative is more critical than ever to ensure children have meals through challenging and unpredictable times.

Organizations interested in beginning a backpack program must either have a 501(c)3 or be a church as recognized by the IRS. Backpacks must be distributed to children, at minimum, once a month and all children receiving backpacks must be eligible for free/reduced lunch.

To apply for partnership to the Foodbank, please contact the network partners and programs department.