Backpack food programs provide nutritious, easy-to-prepare food to children who may not have enough food at home to get through the weekend or school breaks when they cannot rely on school meals.

Through our Backpack Program, the Food Bank Network of Somerset County provides bags of food to students who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals at participating schools throughout Somerset County. Each bag contains at least two breakfast meals, two lunch meals, a protein packet, a fruit pouch, and a variety of snacks to help provide children with nutritious food throughout the weekend.

Food is distributed discreetly through participating schools to protect students’ privacy and dignity. The program can also continue throughout the summer for participating schools that are able to offer the program during the summer months.

The Backpack Program is currently offered at 43 schools throughout Somerset County and serves over 2,000 children. 

For more information about the Backpack Program, please contact [email protected] or 848-379-8975.