REAL Exclusive Magazine is a luxury publication focused on the west coast of Florida. It is distributed to affluent consumers. REAL Exclusive Magazine features celebrities, luxury goods, wonderful estate homes and editorial by leading individuals in their respective fields.

The Warren Backpack Program

The Warren BackPack Program:

An Answer To Childhood Hunger Is In The Bag

By Lalaena Gonzalez-Figueroa

Photography by Chad Spencer

Known around the world for its idyllic beaches and enviable lifestyle, Sarasota and the surrounding region is also home to a growing population of underprivileged youth. The statistics are staggering. Julie Kaminer, director of the Warren BackPack Program, states, “In Sarasota County alone, over one thousand children in kindergarten through third grade are experiencing hunger. While schools provide free and reduced lunches during the week, there is a critical gap during weekends, holidays and school breaks, when their needs may not be met.”

Enter the Warren BackPack Program, which provides kid-friendly, nutritionally-balanced fare for local youth. The brainchild of local philanthropists Robert and Shannon Warren, the program came into fruition after the couple, whose Warren Foundation offers alternatives for at-risk youth, became aware of the hunger issues facing local children. Inspired by “Feeding America,” a national program that provides portable meals to youngsters, the Warrens launched their program from their own home. Today, through a joint effort with the local school board, the Warren BackPack Program is a thriving entity that now serves 11 Title-I schools in Sarasota County.

Convenient, healthy food choices are made available to Warren BackPack Program recipients, who are provided with six meals in a convenient drawstring pack. Nutritionist Jill Collins, from All Faiths Food Bank, has created well-balanced menus for the program which include non-perishable staples such as instant oatmeal, cereal, granola bars, canned fruits and vegetables, and canned pasta and soups. Local food drives, frequently organized by students at area schools, have been highly successful in keeping the program stocked with supplies. Additional food is provided by individual donations, fresh fruit and vegetables as well as personal items such as toothpaste and toothbrushes are also distributed when supplies are available.

While the Warren BackPack Program’s impact may be most appreciated by its youngest recipients and their families, the program has touched lives beyond those in immediate need of assistance. When a parent of a Out Of Door Academy in Lakewood Ranch student heard about the program, he suggested that the students undertake packing duties as part of their community hours. The idea was a success. “Now we call it ‘kids feeding kids,’” notes Kaminer, who says that students in grades 2-12 from five area schools are currently participating in the process of packing backs and collecting food. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for local youth to learn about the need that exists in our community, and to experience pride in knowing that they are making a difference.”

The Warren BackPack Program relies heavily upon the assistance of additional volunteers, who donate food and supplies, deliver packs to local schools and drop-off sites, and provide financial assistance to the organization. The program recently partnered with the Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota, where Keystone Club members will volunteer their time and efforts throughout the year.

One of the more inspiring elements of the Warren BackPack Program is its immediate results. The organization is highlighted in “Send Hunger Packing,” a touching documentary which was produced by the Outreach and Education Department at the Sarasota Film Festival and was featured at the 2010 Festival which is available for viewing on the Warren BackPack website. The film captures the heartwarming stories of recipients as well as volunteers, bringing the topic of childhood hunger to life.

While the Warren BackPack Program has identified a sustainable method of alleviating the hunger crisis facing local youth, the unfortunate reality is that the population in need continues to grow. “We do have children on the waiting list each year,” says Kaminer, who adds that the program is slated to expand into Manatee County in 2010. Despite the growing need, Kaminer remains optimistic that, through local grants and charities as well as donations from individuals and groups, the fight against hunger will continue. It doesn’t take much to make a difference: the cost of food for one child averages just over $4.00 per week; less than $200.00 will provide supplementary food for a child for an entire year. With better nutritional options, local youth will have increased opportunities to thrive.