Blessings in a Backpack was started in July, 2005, in Louisville, KY, with the singular purpose of helping feed these children of less fortunate families on the weekends, when they don't have access to government subsidized meals. Working in close cooperation with guidance counselors from enrolled schools to choose the poorest of the poor from these schools, Blessings volunteers supply needed nutrition through the Blessings in a Backpack program. Nationally, Blessings in a Backpack is in 155 schools in 19 states, and has served over 23,000 children. Surprisingly, it only takes $80 to feed one child on the weekends through the entire school year.

          The Citrus County, Florida chapter of Blessings in a Backpack was started in 2009, with Hernando Elementary School being the pilot participating school. Homosassa Elementary was added in September, 2010 and Floral City Elementary was added in February, 2011.  Four more school sites will be added in the 2011-2012 school year.  These schools include Lecanto Primary, Crystal River Primary, Central Ridge Elementary and Citrus Springs Elementary.  

          In Citrus County, Florida, a staggering 65% of public school children are on government-assisted meal programs. Many of these children go from Friday afternoon until Monday morning with no access to food or meals, other than that provided by charities, such as Blessings in a Backpack.