Packs for Kids
Last school year, we distributed more than 25,000 packs of food. These packs made an immediate and positive difference.
Proper nutrition for a growing child is very important in their development
Hungry children have decreased attention spans, increased behavioral problems, and more school absences due to sickness. Simply put, hungry children may risk falling behind academically due to a lack of resources.
Free meals in school certainly help, but can only support these students Monday through Friday. For assurance these students will have food for the weekend, our Packs for Kids program can provide this extra support.
How does it work?
Working with schools
In collaboration with eighteen local Seattle public schools, UDFB provides weekend meals and snacks to children who are at risk of food insecurity when free or reduced school meals are unavailable. These packs of food contain items that are age-appropriate, nutritious, simple to prepare, and easy to take home in a school bag.
Packs For Kids is a program that succeeds because of the hard work done by our school partners. School staff identify youth for the program and ensure that food gets to them every Friday afternoon. Parent volunteers collect the food from UDFB, take it to the school, and package the food into individualized portions so that it is ready to go. The food bank works to ensure that food is available to all our partner schools – Roosevelt High School, Ingraham High School, Eckstein Middle School, Jane Addams Middle School, Hazel Wolf K-8, Olympic View Elementary, Sacajawea Elementary, Sand Point Elementary, Lowell Elementary, View Ridge Elementary, Green Lake Elementary, Wedgwood Elementary, Decatur Elementary, James Baldwin Elementary, Thornton Creek, Bryant Elementary, and Middle College High School.
“Students seem happier and parents are relieved to have healthy snacks to offer their kids on the weekends.”
What food donations are needed for Packs for Kids?
Instant oatmeal
Cereal cups
Goldfish crackers
Pretzels
Popped popcorn
Snack crackers
Fruit cups (light syrup)
Applesauce (no added sugar)
100% juice boxes
Fruit leathers
Trail mix
Shelf-stable milk
Peanut butter
Canned tuna
Tuna salad + cracker combo
Canned spaghettios, ravioli, soups (microwave-safe, pop-top lids)
Top Ramen
Easy-mac (microwavable)
Questions or comments?
Looking to volunteer?
Did you know that we need more than 350+ volunteers each week to keep our community well fed? Fill out this application or contact our Volunteer Manager here.
Make a donation
Your support helps us provide three days of healthy food to the 2,500 families who visit us each week.