Backpack Buddies

Backpack Buddies is a national program that was started by a teacher who noticed some of her students were leaving school on Friday and not eating again till Monday morning when they arrived to a free or reduced meal provided by the school system.  She began secretly putting food items in these students backpacks on Friday for them to have something to eat during the weekends.  Upon learning about this innovative program that takes an active role in hopes of ending hunger within local communities, VFS  in collaboration with the Inverness Vineyard Church, began implementation of a Shelby County Backpack Buddies program.  We are currently feeding 40 students each week from local schools.  It is our great desire to expand this program to every school within Shelby County to assist every child who is in need of nutritious meals and snacks over their weekend and holiday breaks.  We are actively seeking grants, corporate and individual sponsors as well as other local church support in order to expand this program throughout the Shelby County School System. 

Backpack Buddies bags currently include the following items:

*Ravioli or other pop-top type meal item

*Granola Bars

*Oatmeal or Grits

*Applesauce or Fruit Cups

*100% Juice Boxes

*Pudding Cups

*Cheese or Peanut Butter Crackers

We are currently accepting the above listed items or other single-serve, shelf-stable food items to be distributed to these children as well.  If you would like to make a donation, please call (205) 980-1690 or (205) 533-7852.  Thank you!!