The 4-H Backpack program was established fifteen years ago by McCracken County teenagers at a 4-H

Issues Conference. Teens were to take an issue that impacted our community and find a way to make a

difference. Many of our children in the City and County school systems are fortunate enough to have

parents who are able to provide for them. Unfortunately, there are many who do their best to make ends

meet and still need additional help.

The backpack program is for school-aged youth who do not know where their next meal will come from.

Teachers and Family Resource Center coordinators identify youth who fit this criteria. Each Friday needy

children are sent home with a backpack filled with food so that they will not go hungry.

Extension personnel purchase food each week, and bring it to the McCracken County High School. Students and 4-H teens

fill their backpacks with a variety of drinks and snacks that are easily consumed without any preparation.

We have had tremendous success, but the demand for food is greater than the supply. Our program begins in

August and concludes at the end of May (school calendar.) We supply over 430 backpacks to children

weekly with food donated by various churches, school food drives, or purchased items out of monetary

contributions.

For the Second year in a row, the Family and Consumer Science agent from McCracken County Kelly Alsip has been able to secure a donation of $40,000 from a donor who remains anonymous 2023.