UNFI Funds Grant for Kids Backpack Program Through Feeding America

Feburary 2, 2010: UNFI is pleased to announce funding of a grant for the Kids Backpack Program, conducted through Feeding America. Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief charity, and this grant will feed nearly 200 children in Mississippi for one year. The Mississippi district was chosen due to one of the highest Food Insecurity ratings in the country, mostly because of the continued fallout from Hurricane Katrina.

The Backpack program provides nutritious, kid-friendly food for children to take home on weekends and school vacations when school meals are not available. The long term effect of childhood hunger is adults who are not prepared physically, mentally, emotionally or socially to productively join the workforce. The Backpack Program targets elementary school children, who have the greatest need for nutrients in their formative years. In FY 2009, the Backpack Program served over 190,000 children across the country.

UNFI has partnered with Feeding America to combat domestic hunger on many levels, from local food banks and soup kitchens to programs such as Kids Backpack. For more information on the Kids Backpack program, go to www.FeedingAmerica.org.