Our BackPack program provides relief and stability to thousands of homeless children in Nashville.
For children without a stable home, your generosity makes a significant difference.
Catherine Knowles sees your gifts in action firsthand: She’s the homeless education program coordinator at Metro Nashville Public Schools.
Catherine’s office reaches about 3,400 kids with clothing, referrals, and Second Harvest’s BackPack Program. It provides bags of kid-friendly food designed to last through the weekend, when students can’t access school meals.
For children who are often temporarily living with family members or friends, the BackPack Program lets kids maintain some independence.
“The kids are highly motivated and very aware of wanting to provide for themselves and not be a burden on anyone else,” Catherine said.
With help from friends like you, Second Harvest delivers food every week, and student volunteers sort and package it for delivery to Nashville area schools.
More than a meal
Beyond keeping kids fed, the BackPack Program helps struggling families save money for other expenses, like rent — many live in weekly rental motels. BackPacks also build trust between parents and administrators, improve school attendance, and provide stability for children in uncertain situations.
“The BackPack food is something that’s always consistent for them,” Catherine said. “For children who are moving frequently, knowing they have the security of the food bag every Friday helps a great deal with feeling more settled, and lessens the anxiety they might experience.”
