Our Mission to End
Weekend Hunger
Backpack Kidz is a 100% volunteer-driven organization committed to ensuring that no child in Charlotte County goes hungry over the weekend. We believe every child deserves consistent access to nutritious food to support their health, education, and overall development.”
Our Story
Backpack Kidz was founded by a dedicated group of volunteers known as the “Yah Yah Girls” who recognized a critical need in their community. They discovered that many children who relied on school meals for nutrition were going hungry over the weekends when schools were closed.
What started as a small initiative has grown into a comprehensive program that serves multiple elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Charlotte County. Our mission remains simple yet powerful: ensure no child experiences hunger when they should be focusing on learning and growing.
As a completely volunteer-run organization, 100% of every donation goes directly to purchasing food and supplies for the children we serve. We have zero administrative costs, making every dollar donated incredibly impactful.
Jolene Mowry
Founder of Back Pack Kidz.
Our History
In 2010 Jolene found so many young children in Charlotte County were going hungry on the weekends, they were unable to focus and function properly in class. Children were coming into school on Monday very lethargic due to lack of nutrition. Jolene and the Yah Yah Girls founded the Back Pack Kidz program to address this crisis. It is her example of putting heart and soul into this endeavor that encourages the Yah Yah Girls and our community members and valued sponsors to continue to work and support Back Pack Kidz, and to also expand it until all the neediest elementary and middle school children in Charlotte County have food to eat on the weekends.
The Yah Yah Girls
The Yah Yah Girls, Inc., a 501(c)(3) charity corporation has been working for the neediest children of Charlotte County. During the early spring of 2010, we learned there was a serious problem in our County: some children on free and reduced lunch at school left school on Friday and received little to no food until they returned to school on Monday morning. As inconceivable as it was, children here, in our community, were going hungry on the weekends! The Yah Yah Girls unanimously agreed this crisis needed to be addressed, and going forward, bridging the weekend hunger gap of our community’s neediest children would be our #1 project. Over 80 men and women, all volunteers, are committed to helping secure the needs of these children.
Thus, a new chapter began for Yah Yah Girls, Inc. Back Pack Kidz was born! Since our decision to dedicate our fundraising efforts to Back Pack Kidz, our volunteers have stocked and delivered over 1200 to 1500 backpacks per week. This food directly helps Charlotte County’s neediest children in a substantial and sustained way.
Our organization is made up of members and many volunteers.
Our Values & Impact
Everything we do is guided by our commitment to dignity, community, and ensuring every child has the nutrition they need to succeed.
Compassion
With empathy and understanding, we meet each child’s needs while preserving their dignity at every step
Community
Our strength comes from volunteers, donors, and partners working together toward a common goal.
Efficiency
100% volunteer-run means every donation directly impacts the children we serve - no administrative overhead.
Excellence
We maintain high standards in food quality, distribution processes, and volunteer coordination.
Growing Community Impact
The Challenge
The number of children experiencing food insecurity has greatly increased, while the cost of food continues to rise. Many families struggle to provide adequate nutrition during weekends when school meals aren't available.
Our Response
We've expanded our program to serve not just elementary schools, but also middle and high schools. We provide both weekend food backpacks and stock on-site pantries with food and hygiene products
The Impact
Thanks to our amazing volunteers and generous donors, we continue to reach more children each week, ensuring they have the nutrition needed to focus on their education and personal development.
Be Part of Our Story
Our mission is made possible through the generous support of volunteers, donors, and community partners. Join us in creating a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of children in Charlotte County.