Backpack

In 2006, Harvest Texarkana began the backpack program on two campuses in Texarkana.  In the 2010-2011 school year, we will be providing backpacks to 11 area campuses reaching as many as 500 students each week.  Additional campuses are served in this program through partner agencies who provide for the students in their towns outside of Texarkana. 

The Backpack program provides a package of kid-friendly, shelf-stable, self-serve foods to children identified by their school as 'chronically hungry.'  These children qualify for Federal free school breakfast and lunch and the school staff has reason to believe that these meals may be the only regular meals the children receive.  With parental permission, Harvest Texarkana and volunteers prepare a bag for each child with enough food to get the student through the weekend.  The bags are delivered to their campuses on Thursdays and during the day Friday, while the children are out of the classroom, the packages are discretely placed in the students' backpacks.  Harvest Texarkana even provides the backpack if necessary!  Additional food is provided before school holidays and breaks. 

A student can be served for the entire school year for $125.  Examples of what foods are included are ravioli's, beanie weenie, granola bars, canned and fresh fruit, pudding, juice boxes, cereal, poptarts, oatmeal, hot cocoa, and soup.  When supplies are available, Harvest Texarkana will also provide toothbrushes and other hygene products, school supplies, and other treats.