BackPack Program Helps Feed 4,000 Kids

By: Stephanie Morrissey - Email

Updated: Mon 7:20 AM, Sep 10, 2012

Click HERE to learn more about the Food Bank's BackPack Program!

One hundred kids at Holmes Elementary in Lincoln left school Friday with one book bag full of homework and another full of healthy food.

"The bags have enough food for the weekend. A lot of kiddos don't have enough food at home so this is an extra resource besides hot lunch at school," said Kristi Hoffmeyer, a volunteer from Sheridan Lutheran Church.

For nine years, the Food Bank of Lincoln has provided fresh fruit, cereal and box meals that go home with the kids. It's volunteer groups who assemble and hand out the bags. The program now serves 4,000 kids in Southeast Nebraska.

Hoffmeyer remembers being one of those kids who didn't know where their weekend meals would come from.

"Third grade for me was really hard for me when I was young. We didn't have reduced lunches back then. Just to provide a few meals for kiddos is more than my heart could ask for," Hoffmeyer said.

The time and effort put into this program isn't forgotten by students.

"It makes me feel better so my family doesn't have to waste that much money," said two girls walking out with their bags.

"I'd just like to thank my principal for doing this for us," said a boy.