A community gathers.
Local churches, businesses, and neighbors collect food and funds to support children in nearby schools.
HOW FUEL KIDS WORKS
A simple bag. A meaningful difference.
A local network of care connects food, volunteers, and schools to help children through the weekend.
FROM OUR COMMUNITY TO A CHILD’S BACKPACK
Good people.
A thoughtful process.
Every step is built around care for the child, including how quietly the food reaches them.
A little care gets packed.
Volunteers fill grocery-style bags with a variety of food for the days when school meals are not available.
A backpack heads home.
School staff discreetly send the food home with students at the end of the school week.
THE WEEKEND PACKING LIST
What goes
in the bag?
A variety of foods helps children through the days between school meals. Here is the packing list used by the program.
Planning a food collection? Check in with us before shopping so your group can coordinate the right items.
- Proteins
- 2
- Fruit juices
- 100%
- Dairy items
- 2
- Cheeses
- 2
- Grains
- 2
- Snack items
- 2
- Fruits
- 2
- Breakfast items
- 2
CARE THAT PROTECTS DIGNITY
Quietly given.
Wholeheartedly meant.
Students are identified by their schools based on signs of hunger. Food is discreetly placed in their backpacks at the end of the school week.
There are no public handouts and no need to put a child in the spotlight. The focus stays where it belongs: helping children feel supported.
LET’S CLEAR THINGS UP
A few good
questions.
More questions? We would love to hear from you.
Start a conversationHow are children selected?
School staff look for signs of hunger and identify students who could benefit from weekend food support. Selection is based on signs of hunger, rather than family income.
Which ages does the program serve?
Fuel Kids works with elementary, middle, and high schools. The program supports school-aged children throughout the school years.
How does the food reach the children?
Partner organizations gather and pack food, then deliver the bags to their participating schools. School staff discreetly place the food in students’ backpacks at the end of the school week. Protecting each child’s dignity matters.
Where do the food and funds come from?
Local churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals collect food and contribute funds. Participating organizations can gather donated food, purchase the needed items, or combine the two.
Can our church or organization start a program?
Yes. Fuel Kids can provide guidance on starting a local FUEL program. Participating organizations gather the food and funds for the children they commit to supporting. There is no fee to start the program.
My family needs support. Where should I start?
Your child’s school is the best starting point. School staff identify students for the program and coordinate the discreet distribution of food. Please avoid sending student names or other private student information through this website.
A LITTLE HELP GOES A LONG WAY
Bring FUEL to your community.
We can help your organization understand how to get started.