Research indicates that children who are suffering from food insecurity do not perform well academically, display unacceptable behavior and have poor attendance in school due to illness or reasons unexcused. As a way to help provide food security to students in need, our 4-H Teen Club implemented the 4-H Food for Kids Backpack Program as a service project for the community.

Today over 260 Muhlenberg County youth depend upon their weekend foods being provided by the 4-H Food for Kids Backpack Program. Volunteers and 4-H teens coordinate the program with Family Resource Center Directors and work tirelessly to raise the funds to support this program. These same teens deliver the food stocked backpacks weekly to schools throughout our community; providing students in need with food for the weekend every weekend of the school year.

All funds to purchase food for the program are raised locally. Muhlenberg County 4-H partners with the community to host fundraisers like the Penguin Plunge and Empty Bowls, Full Hearts to raise these funds throughout the year. Donations are accepted year-round. If you would like to make a donation to support the program, you may mail your check (made payable to 4-H Backpack Program) to:

Muhlenberg County Extension Office
ATTN: Backpack Program
3690 State Route 1380
Central City, KY 42330-5512

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Penguin Plunge on Saturday, February 17, 2024. We raised a total of $20,141.23 at the event to support the 4-H Food for Kids Backpack Program!

Save the date for the Empty Bowls, Full Hearts event on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Learn more here.