
BackPack
Friends
Changing lives.
One backpack
at a time.
because 1 in 5 children in North Carolina are hungry
BackPack Friends provides nutritional meals and snacks to children who may need a little extra over the weekend. By supplying these bags, our goal is to assist in meeting their nutritional, mental, and overall well-being needs. We need your help!! The number of children in need is growing on a daily basis so we need your continued support. Now in our 12th year, BackPack Friends delivers over 800 backpacks of food to children in 22 schools throughout Carteret, Craven, Onslow, and Jones counties each week; all packed by caring volunteers with 100% donated food supplies at an annual cost of almost $288,000.

ABOUT US

THIS IS HOW WE DO IT

100% Volunteers
100% Donations
BackPack Friends targets kids who access free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches at school. Children are identified as “in need” by school guidance counselors and site coordinators. Backpacks are filled with healthy foods and are discreetly distributed to children before weekends or holiday vacations.
SAY YES
BackPack Friends Changing Lives . . .
true stories from people involved with BackPack Friends
“Hey Danielle, I have to share a story that brought tears to my eyes . . . I was subbing yesterday and a little boy came up to me and said I’m so glad it’s Friday. I said you are, why? He said because I get my backpack filled and that means I finally get food. He was so happy, so thank you from him!”
"If you could have anything in your bag what would it be? A flashlight so I can see my food when I eat it in the closet"
“What you're providing my students is hope, hope and the knowledge that someone cares for them"
“could I please get some toilet paper to take home? We don’t have any.”
“could we add another bag to our count this week? We have another homeless family.”
