MS FOOD NETWORK’S BACKPACK PROGRAM

The Backpack Program ministry began 10 years ago as a simple response to a clear need. The heart of the program has always been the same. Mississippi Food Network’s Backpack Program provides meal kits of child-friendly foods to students who rely on free or reduced-price school lunches to ensure they have food on weekends and school holidays. Each week, 360 food kits are delivered to Galloway Elementary teachers to be distributed into backpacks and to students in need. The food kits are child friendly and discreet so dignity travels with each meal. This ministry has become a lifeline for families facing food insecurity in this area of Jackson. For that child the backpack is more than a bag. It is a promise of weekend meals so that by Monday, students come back fed and ready to learn with the reminder that their community cares.

We have the opportunity to greatly impact this ministry. Your Advent gift translates directly into weekend meals. Our offering goal this year is $100,000. This will fund the program from the Spring 2026 thru Fall 2027 semesters. That is all of 2026 and 2027! Every dollar counts! Be a part of helping our community this Advent season. When a child brings home a backpack, they experience more than food. They feel seen, supported, and loved. That is the gift your contribution makes possible.