BACKPACK BUDDIES
United Way of the Coastal Empire is excited to offer the Backpack Buddies Program to students in your school system! This program provides children at risk of food insecurity with a bag of nutritious, shelf-stable, and child-friendly food to take home every weekend.
Food items may include:
Proteins or meat options
Fruits and vegetables
Breakfast Items
Snacks
Juice and milk
All food meets USDA nutrition standards, and selections may vary by week based on availability. Scan QR code
Please note: A separate form is required for each child you wish to enroll.
Program runs throughout the 2025–2026 school year.
For questions, email: libertybackpackbuddies@uwce.org
and Long Counties
BACKPACK BUDDIES
FAQS FOR SCHOOL SITE COORDINATORS
1. Who is eligible for this program?
The Backpack Buddies program serves students in Pre-K through 12th grade. This includes all students attending Liberty County schools, Long County schools, Fort Stewart schools, and Headstart in Riceboro.
2. How can a student be enrolled in the program?
Enrollment is simple! Share the Backpack Buddies flyer with the student’s parent or guardian. They can scan the QR code or visit the website listed to complete the enrollment form. If you have received permission from the parent or guardian, you may also complete the form on their behalf.
3. How can a parent or guardian enroll multiple students at different schools?
A separate form must be completed for each student. This ensures each site coordinator receives the correct student list for their school.
4. Why does the enrollment form have different questions based on the student’s address?
United Way receives funding from the City of Hinesville to help support this program. Students who live within city limits are asked to provide income documentation to meet the grant’s requirements and be fully enrolled.
5. What is the enrollment deadline for a student to start receiving meals that same week?
Students must be enrolled by Monday at 5:00 PM to receive meals for that week. Enrollments after the deadline will be added to the following week’s delivery.
6. When will we receive the bags from United Way?
Bags are packed by our volunteer team every Thursday and delivered shortly after by our volunteer drivers. Please note: delivery schedules may shift due to school closures. Refer to the 2025–2026 Delivery Schedule for specific dates.
7. How often will I receive an updated list of enrolled students?
You’ll receive a list of newly enrolled students by Thursday morning each week. If you don’t receive a list, it means no new students were added that week.
8. What if a student needs to be withdrawn from the program?
To withdraw a student, a parent or guardian should email us at libertybackpackbuddies@uwce.org If the student is over 18, they may request withdrawal themselves via email.
9. Who should I contact with additional questions?
Please email libertybackpackbuddies@uwce.org with any questions. Kindly allow 24–48 hours for a response.
