The Weekend Gap
Every Friday afternoon, dozens of children across Barrie quietly receive something that makes a world of difference - a backpack filled with nutritious food. Packed with care and delivered with dignity, these backpacks ensure that kids who might otherwise face an empty fridge can count on healthy meals all weekend long. And it’s all possible because of the generosity of people like you.
Kids Pantry is a weekend food support program that provides consistent, reliable nutrition to children experiencing food insecurity. When school snack/meal programs pause on Fridays, our work begins. Each backpack includes a full set of meals: Friday dinner; breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner for Saturday and Sunday; and even breakfast for Monday morning.
With help from volunteers, community partners, and donors, we deliver these backpacks to schools each week - quietly and respectfully - so that every child can go home with food and come back to school on Monday ready to learn.
Identifying the Need
Packing the Backpacks
Packing the Backpacks
We partner directly with local schools to identify children who are experiencing food insecurity at home. School staff discreetly refer students who may benefit from additional food support over the weekend.
Packing the Backpacks
Packing the Backpacks
Packing the Backpacks
Volunteers gather each week to fill backpacks with a carefully selected mix of healthy, child-friendly meals and snacks.
All items are shelf-stable, easy to open, and ready to eat or simple to prepare - ideal for children to manage on their own if needed.
Discreet Distribution
Packing the Backpacks
Discreet Distribution
On Fridays, the nondescript backpacks are delivered to participating schools. The children pick it up at the school front office on their way home - ensuring privacy, dignity, and consistency. No one else needs to know.
Return and Repeat
Packing the Backpacks
Discreet Distribution
Children return the empty backpacks to school on Monday. We clean, refill, and redistribute them each week. It’s a seamless cycle of support that children can count on.
Why It Works
- School-based referrals ensure help goes to those who need it most.
- Consistent delivery builds trust and relieves stress for families.
- Simple, nutritious meals help kids show up Monday ready to learn, grow, and thrive.
One small backpack. A weekend of food. A world of difference.
