The Backpack Program
Kids Aids’ primary program is the Feeding Friends Backpack Program. Many children go hungry on the weekend because mom and dad are at work, are absent due to their own addictions, or simply don't have enough money. So, the last meal these children have is Friday's school lunch, and they don’t eat again until lunch on Monday.
The Feeding Friends Backpack Program attempts to bridge that gap by sending these children home with backpacks full of non-perishable foods. Backpacks provide a discreet way of transporting the food home because all children carry them. The food is kid friendly— it can either be easily prepared by a child or eaten right from the package. Nutrition is always a consideration, as is providing a variety of foods each week.
How Are the Backpacks Distributed?
Kids Aid distributes the backpacks through schools in Mesa County School District 51. Backpacks of food are delivered to the schools on Friday morning and discreetly given to the children in the program to take home that day. The children return the backpacks to school by the following Tuesday. Kids Aid picks up the backpacks and once again prepares them for delivery.
What Children Qualify for the Backpacks?
There are no financial or other qualifications, other than a child and parent filling out a simple form requesting the backpack.
How is Kids Aid Supported?
Kids Aid is supported by tax deductible contributions from individuals, businesses and organizations. Kids Aid is staffed by all volunteers. No one working for Kids Aid receives any compensation.
