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 Involved

How We Help

Bags of Hope works with Lake Norman and greater Charlotte area schools

35 schools

Students Served

Each weekend of the school year, 900+ 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.

Find Your School

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 35 schools we serve, more than 50% of students are at risk for food insecurity: First Ward Creative Arts Academy, Ranson Middle School, Reid Park Elementary, Winding Springs Elementary and University Meadows.

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=’1616

STUDENTS

at 35 schools received a backpack of food every weekend of the school year and over extended breaks

71% increase over last year’s 943 students

1′ data-max=’35

SCHOOLS

Served in 3 counties – Mecklenburg, Iredell, & Cabarrus.

4 schools added between January-June thanks to emergency funding.

196416′ data-max=’285747

MEALS

provided to students this school year

29% increase over last year

32,757′ data-max=’24713

FOOD BAGS

Distributed to students throughout the school year.

25% increase over last year.

188323′ data-max=’96726

LBS

Of food donated by individuals, groups, & businesses in our generous community.

70% of the total pounds of food distributed this year.

2′ data-max=’125

PACKING EVENTS

with 2,300 volunteers spending nearly 1,500 hours packing and delivering weekend food bags.

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 Involved

Give 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!

Donate

Give 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.

Back-to-School Food Drive – Sign-Up to Help!

Our Impact

Feedback from Schools,
Students, and Parents

This program has helped me and my sisters when times get tough and when we don't have things to eat, we know we can rely on the bags of hope.
Student, KIPP Middle School

It’s hard sometimes to make it to the next paycheck and always have on hand something that my child will readily eat. Y’all have helped tremendously and I’m very appreciative!
Parent, Torrence Creek Elementary

Speaking with the teachers, it’s clear the kids who receive the Bags of Hope have dramatically reduced food insecurity over weekends. As a result, these students perform better in school academically and demonstrate improved behavior in the classroom.
Social Worker

This program has helped me and my sisters when times get tough and when we don't have things to eat, we know we can rely on the bags of hope.
Student, KIPP Middle School

It’s hard sometimes to make it to the next paycheck and always have on hand something that my child will readily eat. Y’all have helped tremendously and I’m very appreciative!
Parent, Torrence Creek Elementary

Speaking with the teachers, it’s clear the kids who receive the Bags of Hope have dramatically reduced food insecurity over weekends. As a result, these students perform better in school academically and demonstrate improved behavior in the classroom.
Social Worker

Thank You

Corporate Donors and Partners

Funding from these grant partners helps make it possible for us to have the resources needed to provide for each student in our program and also to never have to turn away a new student in need.