FAQ

Your program only costs as little as $100 a year? How is that possible?
Blessings in a Backpack works with communities and individuals across the country to leverage the resources available to ensure their community’s children leave school on Fridays with a bag of weekend nutrition. This community-focused model allows Blessings in a Backpack to maintain low expenses, ensuring more children enjoy hunger-free weekends.

 How do I designate for my school?
To designate a specific school, make a notation on your check if you are mailing, or note in the appropriate field if making the donation on-line.

How do I start/adopt a school?
To identify a school, begin by talking to school counselors at schools in your area to determine where the need is the greatest. To get more information on starting a program, please review the Blessings in a Backpack overview document.

How long will the program last at the school I adopt?
We ask that if you start a program you plan to be committed to feeding the children for three years at a minimum.

How do I start fundraising?
To begin fundraising, start by asking local businesses, churches, synagogues and prominent members of your community for donations. You can also hold fundraising events, see our website under the “Get Involved” tab for ideas. All funds raised are tax deductible as we are a 501(c)(3) organization. We will respond to each written or online donation with a Thank You letter confirming their donation and our non-profit status for tax deductions.

What do I do with the money I raise?
Send all tax deductible donations to Blessings in a Backpack at the address below. A fund in the name of your school will be created on your behalf and monies will be distributed when you start purchasing food for your program.

Blessings in a Backpack Bank Lockbox
P.O. Box 950291
Louisville, KY 40295

What type of food items are in the backpacks?
All items are non-perishable, child friendly food and contain three of the four essential food groups. Items include but are not limited to granola bars, raisins, apple sauce, crackers, macaroni and cheese, soups, etc.

Can I add other food items or non-food items to the backpacks?
This is addressed on a school by school basis.

How are the backpacks dispersed to the children?
This is left up to the discretion of the school counselor and/or Principal. Generally the backpacks are stuffed with food the Thursday before they are distributed on Friday.

Where do the backpacks come from?
The backpacks are provided free of charge by the national Blessings in a Backpack, Inc. organization.

How do I hold a backpack fundraiser? Where do I send them once I collect them and do I pay for shipping?
A backpack fundraiser could be an event where the price of admission, or part of the price, is to bring a new backpack. Parties, where backpacks are brought in lieu of gifts.

How can I volunteer?
Please contact Anita Knazze at anitaknazze@blessingsinabackpack.org for volunteer opportunities.