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Food for Free's Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program (CWBP) was developed to ensure food security for students in the City of Cambridge. Founded during the 2012-2013 school year, the program was spearheaded by founding director, Alanna Mallon, in cooperation with parent volunteers and school administrators, provides students in the Cambridge public school system the proper nutrition needed to sustain them while school is not in session.

In January of 2016, Food For Free adopted the Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program into its family of programming as an added avenue to reach students and families. The CWBP discreetly sends meals home on Fridays to Cambridge Public School students whose primary source of nutrition is the school cafeteria. The healthy meals are packed in the students’ backpacks ensuring that students are better prepared to learn the following week. They include two breakfasts, two lunches, milk, and fresh fruit for every child in the family. Since the CWBP’s inception in 2013, Food For Free has been a strong ally, providing fresh fruit on a weekly basis.

Meet Our Team!

Alanna Mallon Program Director & Founder of CWBP: 
Alanna Mallon founded the Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program in 2012. Inspired by a moving story on NPR and the realization that students in her own children’s elementary school were victims of food 
insecurity, Mallon knew she had to act. She serves as director and donates her time by organizing the 100+ volunteers from within the school communities, including parents, teachers, and school staff, in 
order to run the program. She has played an integral role in developing strategic partnerships with local organizations, including: Cambridge Health Alliance Pediatricians group, Cambridge Community  Foundation, Food for Free, Cradles to Crayons and more. 

The Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program was launched through a partnership between parent volunteers and school administrators. Since its inception during the 2012-2013 school year, Cambridge 
Weekend Backpack Program has expanded to serve ten Cambridge public schools, distributing over 10,000 backpacks of food. 

In addition to her role at Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program, Mallon serves as the Education Liaison at Cambridge City Hall, Office of the Mayor. Mallon graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in international business.

Suzannah McFerran CWBP Program Coordinator:
Suzannah McFerran, a dedicated parent looking to become more involved with her children’s Cambridge elementary school, was introduced to the Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program in 2013. Combining her career in food with her passion for helping others, McFerran serves as Advisory Board Member and Program Coordinator, joining founder and director, Alanna Mallon, in the pursuit of expansion and creating a sustainable program to help combat food insecurity in the Cambridge Public School system. 

In addition to her role at Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program, McFerran is a Senior Editor at America’s Test Kitchen, where she has been a leader on the cookbook team for the past nine years.  She has extensive experience developing ideas and leading teams as part of the cookbook publishing process.  Committed to fresh, locally produced food and food justice, Suzannah has spent her career working in food.  Prior to America’s Test Kitchen, Suzannah worked in the kitchen at Rialto, one of the top restaurants in Boston, and she also helped found Feast!, a gourmet cheese shop in Charlottesville, VA.  

 McFerran graduated from Brown University, and also got her culinary degree from the Institute of Culinary Education.
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How the program is helping our students and their families


"Many of us teachers have identified families at our school struggling with food insecurity.  We've sent food home with food ourselves and wished aloud that a formal backpack program existed." - Cambridge Public School Teacher

"This child's confidence and engagement in learning has grown tremendously. I assume that having more food accessible has helped to make this possible. The student is more talkative, outgoing and involved than in the fall. Raises hand more." - Cambridge Public School Teacher

"
Last year this child did not participate in the program and was absent quite a bit as well as constantly sleepy and sluggish. I have noticed an improvement in his health this year. He has had fewer absences and seems more alert compared to the prior year. I'd like to think the food program has really helped this child." - Cambridge Public School Teacher

"I believe that this program is critical. One of the most significant benefits is the increased engagement from families who participate. Being part of a community that cares about a child's whole family life, inside and outside of school, engenders trust and partnership across home and school." - Cambridge Public School Teacher

"The family participated last year and and were so excited to receive the additional support.  They thought they had special people looking out for them.  Thank you for providing that support!" - Cambridge Public School Counselor

"One of our students on week two of the program privately said to (our principal) when he saw her putting the bag in the closet, 'whose turn is it this week?  I had my turn last week.'   When she replied, 'It is for you, each week you'll get one.'  She said his whole face lit up." - Cambridge Public School Family Liaison

"(A participating parent) was very thankful and stated that it really helped the family make ends meet.  This was an especially stressful time both financially and mentally for the family because they recently found out they were going to lose their housing.  She was extremely grateful." - Cambridge Public School Counselor

"
"Because I work most weekends as the sole breadwinner in our family, it brings me comfort to know the weekend backpack food is providing an extra layer of support for my husband to care for and feed our voracious yet underweight son while I'm away.  Thank you weekend backpack food! " - Participating Parent
Visit our Community Partners:
Whole Foods Inc.

Cambridge Health Alliance, Children's Care Foundation

Food For Free

Community Cooks

Cambridge Public Schools

Christ Church, Cambridge

Cutty's Deli, Brookline 


                  

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