The Backpack Program serves children in forty+ local schools who face hunger on the weekends in Catawba and Alexander County. Each week school is in session, over 1,400 children receive a bag full of food weighing up to 7 lbs. The food supplied is either purchased in bulk (at cost) or donated by various community members and local businesses. Through our calculations, it costs $144 for one child to receive meals each weekend, all school year long.

The Backpack Program exists thanks to the constant support and continued dedication of our community. The program is driven by volunteers who give their time, talent and treasures. These special volunteers work hard packing bags, stocking shelves, organizing inventory, fundraising and seeking community support to secure financial contributions.

Please consider partnering with us to help fight local childhood hunger and reduce the barrier to a good education!

For more information on this program or to schedule a volunteer session, please contact Aundrea Hawn, Backpack Program Coordinator, at backpack@thecornertable.org or 828-464-0355.

To sponsor a child or learn more about this opportunity, please click
SPONSOR A CHILD.

*Please note the Backpack Program is located at a different location than our Community Kitchen.
Backpack Program Warehouse
1925 Tate Blvd SE
Hickory, NC 28602

PERMISSION SLIP/REGISTRATION FORM:

If you would like to apply for this program, please fill out the information below and once submitted, the information will be shared with your child’s school counselor to acknowledge your desire for the student to start receiving food bags each week.

By submitting this application, you agree to the following statements:

  • I will take full responsibility and will not hold Catawba County Schools, Newton-Conover City Schools, Hickory Public Schools or The Corner Table, Inc., responsible for my child if he/she has an allergic reaction or becomes ill from the food.

  • I will take full responsibility for the use and preparation of the food given through the program.

  • The information provided by me is to the best of my knowledge.