Food for Kids…
Hope for Families
Bags of Hope seeks to bring hope to the Lake Norman and greater Charlotte area by supplying free weekend food provisions to school children who experience food insecurity.
Get InvolvedHow We Help
Bags of Hope works with Lake Norman and greater Charlotte area schools
33 schools
Students Served
Each weekend of the school year, an average of 735 students received a food bag containing 3 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2-3 servings of fruits, 2 servings of vegetables and 5 snacks. In addition, students receive extended break bags of food over Thanksgiving, Winter Break and Spring Break.
Food Insecurity in the Lake Norman and greater Charlotte area
Issue
Students experiencing hunger due to inadequate nutrition may suffer from impaired concentration and learning, social and behavioral problems, and even threatened health and development.
School Meals
Many of the students we serve receive free or reduced-price school meals, ensuring adequate nutrition during school hours (which include breakfast and lunch).
Weekend Gap
However, some students find food less available at home. Between Friday and Monday, children may miss some or all meals. Bags of Hope fills this gap to ensure students are well-fed, well-rested and ready to learn Monday morning.
Numbers
Nearly 50% of Charlotte-Mecklenburg school students qualify for free meals. At 5 out of the 33 schools we serve, more than 50% of students are at risk for food insecurity: First Ward Creative Arts Academy, Niner University, Ranson Middle School, Reid Park Elementary and Winding Springs Elementary.
School Year
Impact Report
Nothing tells the story better than the numbers… These numbers represent the problem of food insecurity for local students and the generosity of individuals, groups and local businesses in our community coming together to provide food and HOPE to families.
UP TO
500′ data-max=’855
STUDENTS
Received weekend andΒ extended break bags of food during school year.
26% increase over last year.
1′ data-max=’33
SCHOOLS
Served in 3 counties – Mecklenburg, Iredell, & Cabarrus.
16% increase over last year.
196416′ data-max=’200495
LBS
Of food distributed to children in need throughout the school year.
10% increase over last year
20800′ data-max=’24713
FOOD BAGS
Distributed to individual students throughout the school year.
18% increase over last year.
92600′ data-max=’96726
LBS
Of food donated from individuals, groups and businesses in our generous community.
57% increase over last year.
2′ data-max=’150
PACKING EVENTS
Held at our warehouse; utilizing 100-150 volunteers on a weekly basis throughout the school year.
Mission
Make a Difference with Bags of Hope
Give Time
Serve Your
Neighbors
Packing Events at the warehouse are a blast for adults, kids, individuals and groups of employees! Volunteers are also needed to deliver bags to schools, represent Bags of Hope at community events and more. There are many fun ways to get involved!
Get InvolvedGive Back
Be Generous
Monetary gifts and food donations are critical to the mission of Bags of Hope. Students are fed and hope is provided to families through the generosity of our neighbors … like YOU!
DonateGive Hope
Support Food Drives
Donate food to restock our warehouse at the beginning of the school year or provide larger bags of food and grocery store gift cards for students to have over extended breaks from school. Join our community-wide efforts to provide much needed food for local students.
Our Impact
Feedback from Schools,
Students, and Parents
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