Abstract
An increasing gap has been seen between the government food assistance programs and those who need help. One program filling the gap is Feeding America's BackPack Program that provides nutritious food to children to eat on the weekends when they may not have access to adequate food. This project evaluated the impact of the BackPack Program on food security, readiness to learn, and behavioral and mental health of a group of children using a mixed methods approach. Results showed improved food security and increased readiness to learn among participants. The BackPack Program may be an effective means for meeting gaps in food assistance for children and their parents.