The goal of the Backpack Program is to meet the needs of hungry children by providing nutritious and easy to prepare foods at times when other resources are not available, such as weekends and school vacations.

img-6The children in the program have food placed in their backpacks each Friday to provide nutritious food over the weekend. The program serves students kindergarten through 12th grade plus siblings who also live in the home.

We still live in the richest country in the world and no child should go hungry. The Backpack Program not only provides food, but it also provides unconditional love to children by faithful volunteers who give their time and efforts each month. The Weakley County Backpack program is organized by a volunteer board and supported by many gracious community members. As a nonprofit organization, 100% of the funding comes from private donations and goes directly to purchase food. Funding is a necessity to sustain and grow the program.

FAQs

How many students are getting food each month?
We are currently serving over 350 students.
What grades are served?
We serve children ages 3 years through 12th grade in all schools in Weakley County.
What kind of food items are sent home?
All food items are non-perishable, easy to open and easy to prepare. Typically we send home a mixture of breakfast, snack, lunch and drink/juice items.
How are students identified?
We rely on the school staff for referrals.
Does the Weakley County Backpack Program know the students served?
No, it is completely anonymous.
second harvest food bank logo
Where do you purchase the food items from?
All food items are purchased through Second Harvest Food Bank in Nashville.
 
Where does funding come from?
We are completely funded through donations. All donations made go toward the purchase of food.
How can I make a donation?
You can make a donation through any of the following ways: Mail a check to: PO Box 804 Dresden, TN 38225 Drop off the donation at any Simmons Bank Location. Call one of our board members and we can pick it up. *All donations are tax deductible.
How can I get involved?
We invite any individual or group to join us the 1st Tuesday of every month at 12:00 pm at the Dresden First Baptist Church Family Life Center to help pack food bags. If you are unable to participate on Tuesdays, we can also use plastic bag donations. If you have the time to double bag them that is always helpful as well. Donated bags can be dropped off at the Dresden First Baptist Church Family Life Center or at any Simmons Bank location.
How much does it cost to feed a student?
$200 a year.
Can I just donate food items?
We do not accept donations of food items.

How to get involved

Volunteers are always needed to help pack food bags on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 12:00 at Dresden First Baptist Church Family Life Center.

Donations, donations, donations! We can always use more donations. The program costs $200 per year to feed one student. Ask your church, family, friends, school and/or civic clubs to help raise money for these students. All donations are tax deductible. Donations  can be mailed to: PO Box 804, Dresden, TN 38225 Last but not least, we need plastic shopping bags. With over 350 children supported weekly, the program uses a lot of bags. Please save your grocery bags and drop them off at any Simmons Bank location or at the Dresden First Baptist Church.