Connecting Backpack Programs for Greater Impact

A man stands next to a table of produce with a sign that says "Food For Free."

Alanna Mallon

Food For Free’s Alanna Mallon recently changed positions, moving from Program Director to K-12 Strategic Lead. In her new role, Alanna is focusing on developing relationships with weekend backpack programs outside of Cambridge and further building relationships with the Cambridge school system, all while continuing to identify and address food insecurity in schools. Alanna’s role is part of Food For Free’s new strategic plan, which focuses on expanding services in schools and colleges in order to effectively meet food-insecure populations where they spend time every day.

Did you know that there are weekend backpack programs throughout the state? As the K-12 Strategic Lead, Alanna identifies other backpack programs in eastern Massachusetts with the goal of creating connections, discussing best practices, and identifying ways all these programs can work together. “The goal and purpose is to connect us all,” said Mallon.

Alanna has identified close to 30 backpacks programs across Massachusetts in communities like Salem, Watertown, Brockton and more, learning about when these programs were established, how many students they serve, their operating models, and the challenges they face. Conversations have been promising so far. “When you’re in the community doing the work on your own it can be isolating…People are really excited about the opportunity to connect with people doing the same kind of work,” said Mallon. Long term, Alanna hopes this group can establish a food-buying consortium with the Greater Boston Food Bank and create an online platform to share best practices. She added that this network could be used as a model for backpack program networks in other parts of Massachusetts.

At the same time, Alanna is finding ways to expand service to Cambridge students. Food For Free knows there is need in Cambridge; 45% of students grades K-12 qualify for free and reduced priced lunch. That’s why Alanna is reaching out to current and potential partners in Cambridge and considering new distribution methods and access points in schools in order to reach more students in food-insecure situations.


Food For Free believes that addressing student hunger can disrupt the poverty cycle, and Alanna’s work as K-12 Strategic Lead is critical to this effort. We are committed to serving students in Cambridge, and know that connecting backpack programs throughout the state, regardless of size, can have a drastic impact. “Whether it’s 15 kids or 300, it matters,” said Mallon, “This work will help provide healthy and nutritious food to school children, increasing their success inside and outside of the classroom.”

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