Backpack Buddies works to end childhood hunger one backpack at a time. ATE has supported the partnership established by Temple Shaaray Tefila and two East Harlem organizations: the Association to Benefit Children and LSA Family Health Service. Their work helps sustain children in need over the weekend by providing backpacks filled with 6 nutritious meals and 3 healthy snacks.
Backpack Buddies is run by student volunteers who raise funds to buy the food and pack the backpacks. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, they were asked to increase food deliveries from 40 weeks to year-round PLUS add more children. With support from Ample Table, they were able to deliver the year-round support to more children in need.