This vital program began in 2007. Gift of Hope has partnered with teachers, counselors and lunch room attendants of local schools to identify children who show signs of hunger, especially on Monday mornings. These children receive a backpack of nutritious food to eat each weekend when the school meal program is not available . Gift of Hope recognizes the need for proper nutrition in order to be physically and psychologically prepared for learning.

The number of children in the backpack club has doubled in recent years. For most, the Backpack of food is supplemental to what is available, but for some, this is the only food they will
have to eat all weekend.

All of the specially purchased food items included in the backpack may be eaten hot or cold and have packaging easy enough for a five-year old to access.