67% of children in our schools are at risk of hunger. The objective of our Food Pantry Program (FPP) is to reduce childhood hunger in our community by providing direct access to free and nutritious food to children in need. Our program reduces the negative impacts of hunger so children are ready to learn in school and succeed in life.
The Need
- Over 49,000 children qualify for free or reduced price meal programs in Guilford County Schools.
- 17% of people in Guilford County are food insecure.
- 1 in 4 children in Guilford County face hunger every day.
- Hungry children incur delays in their physical, intellectual and emotional development.
Our Approach
- Food Pantries are managed by school staff to ensure children with the greatest need have direct access to food.
- BPB stocks them with fresh food, canned and dry goods, proteins, fruits, vegetables, pastas and rices), breakfast foods (cereal, oatmeal, etc.) snacks, shelf stable milk, 100% fruit juice and other food items.
- Our organization is 95% volunteer run. All food pantries are stocked every other week by dedicated BPB volunteers.