The Backpack Buddies program (within the School District of NFDL) began in February 2018 with only one grade level and we’ve continually added grade levels as resources became available. We’re excited that we now support about 155 children in grades Kindergarten through 5th. The children enrolled in the program are provided with a nutritious bag of food one day a week throughout the school year, each bag containing 6-8 items. The program is managed by ~12 volunteers and supported by the NFDL community organizations, businesses, individuals, and beyond as well as the School District and Oriole Nation. If you’d like more information on the program, email backpackbuddies@nfdlschools.org. (October 2021)