The Albany Backpack Food Program provides a backpack full of healthy food to low-income elementary school children every weekend throughout the academic school year. The Albany Backpack Food Program began in 2014 with 14 backpacks. It has since grown to 455 backpacks in all 15 City of Albany elementary and middle schools. Participating teachers have found that students who participate in the program show increased attention and ability to focus during the school day. Many students share their food with family members, indicating just how important this program is to the entire household. The Backpack Food Program begins the first week of October and runs until the very end of the school year. We are looking for volunteers to pack backpacks twice a week, on Wednesday’s and Thursday’s.

Those interested should contact our Development Coordinator Abby Cowan at (518) 463-2124 Ext 238 or acowan@hatas.org.