Hunger does not end when the school bell rings. For some children, evenings, weekends, school breaks, and holidays can mean uncertainty about where their next meal will come from. Through its year round Backpack Program, FISH of SanCap helps bridge that gap by providing children with nutritious, easy to prepare foods they can take home and access when school meals are unavailable.
The program serves children throughout the year, recognizing that food insecurity does not follow the academic calendar. Whether students are heading home after class, preparing for a long weekend, or enjoying holiday and summer breaks, FISH works to ensure they have access to food that supports their health and wellbeing.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, healthy eating is associated with improved cognitive function, including better concentration and memory, as well as improved academic performance among school aged children. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics highlights the importance of proper nutrition in supporting children’s physical growth, brain development, and ability to learn.[1]
“Children do well when they have consistent access to nutritious food,” said Merari Puente, Food Programs Manager at FISH. “Good nutrition supports their ability to focus in the classroom, participate in sports and activities, and maintain their overall health and wellbeing. The Backpack Program helps fill the gaps when school meals are unavailable and provides families with encouragement that their children will have food they can count on throughout the year.”
Backpacks are filled with child-friendly foods designed to supplement meals outside of school hours. Throughout the year, FISH also adds small surprises to brighten children’s days. Halloween treats, Valentine’s goodies, seasonal activities, and special items donated by community partners often find their way into backpacks, bringing smiles along with nourishment.
Families enrolled in the Backpack Program can pick up weekly food backpacks at the FISH Walk In Center, located at 2422 Periwinkle Way on Sanibel. Children often accompany their parents and are eager to see what has been packed for the week.
“My favorite part is seeing what’s inside my backpack,” said one elementary school student. “I like the juice boxes and snacks, and I get excited when there are special surprises.” Her father adds, “As a parent, you want to give your kids everything they need, but sometimes life gets hard,” he said. “Knowing there is food waiting for them after school and on weekends takes a huge weight off my shoulders. It means they can focus on being kids instead of worrying about being hungry.”
FISH extends its sincere appreciation to the community partners and grantors whose support helps sustain the Backpack Program throughout the year. Special thanks to Suncoast Credit Union, the Sanibel Captiva Kiwanis Club, the Lee County Bar Association, and the Sanibel Captiva Rotary Club for investing in the wellbeing of local children and families.
“Kids should be able to focus on being kids,” said Puente. “When families know there is food at home for after school, weekends, and school breaks, it eases some of the household stress. We’re grateful to the donors and community partners who help make this program possible.”
Families interested in learning more about the Backpack Program or accessing assistance are encouraged to contact Merari Puente at merari@fishofsancap.org or call 239-472-4775.
[1] Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Healthy Eating and Academic Performance.” Healthy Schools. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/facts.htm
American Academy of Pediatrics. “Promoting Food Security for All Children.” Pediatrics, Vol. 136, No. 5 (2015) https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/136/5/e1431/33894/Promoting-Food-Security-for-All-Children
