March gives us the chance to celebrate two important causes. It is National Nutrition Month, a time to focus on making healthy food choices and building habits that last. It is also National Women’s History Month, a time to recognize the women whose leadership and dedication have shaped history. At Blessings in a Backpack, these two themes come together as we highlight the role of nutrition in children’s lives and the women driving real change.

Women have shaped children’s nutrition for decades. During the Great Depression, Eleanor Roosevelt pushed for programs that expanded access to school meals, influencing the National School Lunch Act of 1946. In the 1970s, Shirley Chisholm supported the growth of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helping millions of families access healthy food. More recently, Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move initiative and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 improved school meals nationwide, adding whole grains, fruits, and vegetables while reducing sodium. Their work reminds us that women’s leadership has lasting impact, and the benefits are felt in communities across the country.

At Blessings in a Backpack, we continue this work through our National Food Solution, which ensures children have nutritious food during the weekend. Heather Dambrosi, our Vice President of Food Solutions and a registered dietitian, leads this program. She creates menus that combine nutrition, convenience, and enjoyment. Every item is chosen to meet USDA nutrition standards for the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program while appealing to children’s tastes.

Heather explains, “For many children, weekends mean uncertainty around food, and Blessings in a Backpack’s mission is to ensure these children have consistent nutrition to sustain them through the weekend. Being a part of Blessings in a Backpack means recognizing that while we continue to work toward long-term improvements in nutrition quality, we must first address food security. You cannot build healthy eating behaviors without consistent access to food.”

The National Food Solution works in several ways. We partner with distributors and manufacturers such as Sysco, Amazon, Meijer, Optimum, and ES Foods to source high-quality foods. Each bag contains kid-approved items that provide protein, whole grains, and lower sugar, including brands like Kellogg’s, Jack Links, and StarKist. By purchasing directly from trusted manufacturers, we guarantee quality, consistency, and portion sizes.

We evaluate every item for nutrition, taste, shelf life, ease of use, and portion size. Foods do not require refrigeration or special preparation, making them practical for children who may not have appliances or utensils at home. Every bag of weekend food is designed to fuel children’s bodies and minds, helping them return to school ready to learn.

This March, as we celebrate National Nutrition Month and Women’s History Month, we honor the women who have helped advance children’s nutrition and the women leading today’s efforts. Heather’s work shows how expertise, dedication, and heart continue to make a difference in the lives of the children we feed.