Backpack Blessings was founded in 2011 by a group of compassionate individuals who wanted to make a difference in the lives of children in need in our community. Janet and Ray Williams, Rebecca Dent, and Joe and Stacey Thomas started this program with a shared vision of ensuring that no child goes to bed hungry in Panama City Beach.

Backpack Blessings is a non-profit organization that provides weekend meals to students in all Panama City Beach Schools. These students, who have been identified by their counselors and teachers as needing additional support, receive 7 meals and snacks each for each weekend.

Today, Backpack Blessings is a non-profit program that is supported by a team of dedicated volunteers, community members, local businesses, organizations and churches. Our goal is to provide healthy and nutritious meals that will help these children focus on their studies, and alleviate some of the burden that food insecurity can place on families. We continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every child in need has access to healthy food and the support they need to thrive.