Each week, children in Taylor County receive nutritious food to help sustain them during weekends, school breaks, and other out-of-school periods through the Weekend Food Backpack Program, operated through the UF/IFAS Extension Service and supported by dedicated community volunteers.
When School Meals Are Not Available
Food insecurity continues to affect families across rural Florida, where access to consistent, healthy food can be limited outside of the school day. While many students rely on school meals during the week, weekends and extended breaks can present a critical gap. The Weekend Food Backpack Program addresses this challenge by providing children with reliable access to nutritious foods when school meals are unavailable.
Coordinated by UF/IFAS Extension in Taylor County, the program distributes bags of food to fill backpacks each week filled with carefully selected, kid-friendly, shelf-stable foods that meet basic nutritional needs. Items commonly include whole grains, protein-rich foods such as peanut butter or tuna, fruits, vegetables, and easy-to-prepare meals that support healthy growth and learning.
Volunteers Make the Program Possible
Community volunteers are central to the program’s success. Volunteers assist with food sourcing, packing backpacks, and
weekly distribution, working closely with schools to ensure the program reaches children who need it most. Their involvement allows the program to operate efficiently while maintaining dignity, confidentiality, and consistency for participating families.
“Through UF/IFAS Extension, we are able to combine nutrition education, community partnerships, and volunteer engagement to address food insecurity in a meaningful way,” said program volunteer Hilda Armstrong. “This program ensures children have access to nourishing foods that support both their health and academic success.” (Pictured left to right: Hilda Armstrong, Betty Mann, Teresa Schaffer, Rachel Story, Grace Murphy)
Families report that the program provides both nutritional support and peace of mind. Knowing their children have food available over the weekend reduces stress and helps stabilize household food supplies, particularly for families facing financial challenges.
How the Program is Funded
Funding for the Weekend Food Backpack Program is made possible through grants, donations and local partnerships, with 
UF/IFAS Extension providing oversight, program coordination, and educational support. Donations can be made throughout the year to the Extension Office and they will be designated for program support. All donations are used for food supplies.
Growing to Help More Families
As the program continues to serve more and more families each week, UF/IFAS Extension and community volunteers remain committed to strengthening food security in Taylor County. Future goals include expanding partnerships, increasing volunteer engagement, and enhancing nutrition-focused programming to further support children and families.
UF/IFAS Extension Taylor County is part of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and works in partnership with the Taylor County Board of County Commissioners to provide research-based education and programs that improve the health, resilience, and quality of life of local residents.
0
