Emergency Food Network is proud to partner with programs in every corner of Pierce County, including Food Backpacks 4 Kids on the Key Peninsula. Located in Key Center, Food Backpacks 4 Kids (FB4K) has a vision of “a community where every child is well-fed, can achieve their full potential, and where no family is food insecure.” Since 2009, the dedicated team has been providing backpacks filled with nutritious food to students in the Peninsula School District to make this vision a reality.  

Food Backpacks 4 Kids’ work extends beyond the backpacks in their name. They also run a family pantry where individuals can shop for groceries in-person or receive delivery, depending on their needs. This program has grown tremendously over the past several years, and EFN has been instrumental in supporting that growth. Executive Director Zaida Woodworth reflected, “EFN has been an amazing resource and partner to us. EFN’s efforts to add frozen meats and fresh produce has helped our community [and our food pantry] immeasurably!” Their operating hours are designed to be accessible to the families they serve, open 12-6pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays for an easy stop on the way home from work or school.  

FB4K just wrapped up their 5th Annual Community Clothing Giveaway, an event designed to help families and individuals prepare for the back-to-school season. Donations filled the Key Peninsula Civic Center to the brim, and more than 1,000 people shopped for new-to-them clothes. Although it isn’t food distribution, FB4K puts on this event because they are dedicated to serving their customers holistically. With a backpack of nutritious food and a new back-to-school outfit from FB4K, the students and communities of Key Peninsula are ready to achieve their full potential this fall! Emergency Food Network is honored to partner with programs like FB4K, working together to ensure that every child and family in Pierce County has the support they need to thrive.

See how EFN collaborates with partners, including the FB4K team, by watching this video.