Hope Packs Program helping local young students

Hope Packs, Midwest Food Bank's student weekend feeding program, is in full swing for the 2020-2021 school year. MFB Bloomington-Normal anticipates feeding 3,400 students from 51 schools this year. These students receive food every weekend throughout the school year, providing consistent access to nourishment. 

Like almost everything this year, MFB's Hope Packs Program is facing unique challenges. In a normal school year, students eligible for assistance receive their Hope Pack on Friday to help them through the weekend. This year is anything but normal.

Some of our school partners are on a remote-only learning program. Schools and sponsoring agencies are being creative in getting the food to the students. Some schools are making the extra food available during a weekly meal pick-up with their breakfasts and lunches. Some are able to deliver directly to the students' homes. Schools operating a hybrid program (some in-person and some e-learning) are allowing students to take their Hope Pack home on the last weekday in attendance.

Each Hope Pack includes at least one hot meal item, one fruit item, several breakfast items, and snacks that are easy for little hands to prepare. For $50, you can sponsor one child for an entire school year. If you would like to partner with MFB in providing help and hope to students in need, please click here to donate.