Hurricane Ian brought devastation to many parts of Florida. Unfortunately, our Southwest Florida Chapter was not immune from this destruction.

While Blessings in a Backpack is not a disaster relief organization, our nation’s emergency assistance programs have put us in a place to continue doing what we do best: feeding kids on the weekends. Here’s how our chapter is responding and how you can help.

Fort Myers Beach Elementary. Photo by School District of Lee County

Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida, displacing thousands, and creating more hungry kids. The goal is to provide 6,200 kids hunger-free weekends each weekend of the year — including during this emergency.

In Lee County: 

• This week, the SWFL Chapter will feed 4,200 children through our partners at Community Cooperative
• We are looking to add another food distribution site to Lee County until schools re-open
• In Bonita Springs, Café of Life will be distributing Blessings’ pre-packed food solution to our kids
• We are working on two more distribution site to our kids closer to coastal area of our beach and eastern Fort Myers

Collier and Hendry Counties:

• Schools return the week of October 10, and we are prepared to deliver food to hungry kids in those program locations

If you’re able to give, any amount will help us continue feeding kids on the weekends during this emergency. As little as $4 can help provide food to a hungry child over a weekend.

Feature photo of the Sanibel School. Photo by School District of Lee County.