Backpack Blessings is a 501(3)(c) nonprofit organization formed in December 2012 for the sole purpose of feeding hungry children. Students identified by school personnel are eligible to receive weekend food bags (containing 10 child-friendly, nutritious items to supplement what food might be in the home on the weekend) each weekend of the school year. Funding awarded from the NC Hurricane Florence Relief Fund will be used to help pack 4,000 additional weekend food bags for the 2018-2019 school year. These bags will replace at least 1,5000 previously packed bags stored at schools flooded by Hurricane Florence and meet an increased demand already identified by several schools. The weekend food bags currently serve 859 students in 37 elementary, middle, and high schools in Jones, Craven, and Pamlico counties.