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Children & families

BackPack Buddies

Food that goes home with children who need it.

Running for the 26–27 school year

Serve

What it is

BackPack Buddies is food that goes home with children who need it. Through this ministry, Herbert Memorial UMC helps neighbors beyond the walls of our sanctuary — one bag at a time.

Food or money is welcome for the 26–27 school year.

In action

See the ministry

From Kensington Elementary to bags ready for delivery, this is BackPack Buddies at work.

  • Volunteers packing food bags for BackPack Buddies

    Packing bags together

  • Entrance of Kensington Elementary School, where BackPack Buddies delivers food

    Kensington Elementary School

  • Brown lunch bags decorated with drawings and notes of encouragement for BackPack Buddies

    Notes of encouragement on every bag

  • Reusable bags filled for BackPack Buddies delivery in a car trunk

    Ready for delivery

Beyond our walls

Who we serve

We serve Kensington Elementary School. Right now that means 20 kids, 2 meals a week each — 40 meals total each week.

Each meal includes a lunch, breakfast, snack, fruit, and drink.

At a glance

  • Kensington Elementary School

    School we serve

  • 20 kids · 40 meals / week

    2 meals a week for each child

  • Lunch, breakfast, snack, fruit, drink

    What goes in each meal

Invite & grow

How to help

You can sponsor an item weekly, every other week, or once a month — or sponsor a meal online. Either way helps fill the bags.

If purchasing, get quantities of 20+.

Needed items

Current list for packing. Quantities of 20+ if you are purchasing.

  • Chef Boyardee with pop tops
  • pop tart or fruit bars or oatmeal
  • fruit cup
  • apple sauce
  • ramen noodles
  • juice box
  • granola bar or Rice Krispie
  • fruit snacks
  • bottled water
  • water powder packs
  • large brown lunch paper bags

Point of contact

Talk with Julie Wicker

Questions about sponsoring an item, bringing food, or giving toward BackPack Buddies? Julie Wicker is glad to help.

Keep exploring

See more of how Herbert Memorial UMC invites, grows, and serves — or give as you are able.