Countless studies have shown that stress and worry caused by food insecurity limits a child’s ability to learn, impacts their health and can cause behavioral issues for them at school and within their families. Portland Backpack has a simple solution: put food directly into kids’ hands. Now you can do the same! Register as a Weekend Warrior and join in the fight against childhood hunger. Investing in our children is investing in the future of our neighborhoods, cities, state, and country. 

We believe that engaging the community in our efforts creates a greater impact that reaches beyond reducing hunger. Our community packing and care card events are the heart of our program. We are passionate about letting our kids know that their community cares about them that is why each bag is packed with a handmade Care Card. The cards let kids know that the folks in their community support them.

Although we have grown, we still rely completely on our volunteers and community partnerships to get the work done. They are the heart of Portland Backpack. This school year more than 1,500 volunteers have devoted over 2,600 hours ensuring kids are eating on the weekends. We would love to see those numbers grow. With greater engagement, this work becomes more than reducing hunger, it becomes a collective strength and a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness. It becomes a family.

Join our family.