Who are we?
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.
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!
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
"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
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
