Fulfill, a leader in alleviating hunger and building food security in Monmouth and Ocean counties, has expanded its BackPack Program beyond the traditional school year through a new partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), ensuring children experiencing food insecurity continue to have access to nutritious food during the summer months. The collaboration also broadens the BackPack Program by pairing weekend backpacks with fresh food distributions, helping families access healthy meals when school cafeterias are closed. The partnership has already provided 409 students with 1,938 backpacks throughout June and July, with more distributions taking place in August.
“Summer can be one of the most difficult times for families facing food insecurity because the reliable meals children receive during the school year are not guaranteed,” said Cat Hynoski, Community Health Associate at Fulfill. “Fulfill’s partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health allows us to bridge that gap by providing children with nutritious kid-friendly foods they can easily prepare while also connecting families with fresh, healthy ingredients. Together, we are not only helping ensure children have enough to eat over the weekends but are also supporting stronger food security for families.”
Traditionally offered during the school year, Fulfill’s BackPack Program provides children with shelf-stable breakfast and lunch items to supplement the meals they receive during the week. With HMH’s support, the program was extended into the summer at participating Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) sites, where children will also receive weekend backpacks alongside fresh produce, bread, eggs and yogurt from The Common Market. The partnership supports Fulfill’s BackPack Program and complementary fresh food distribution efforts while advancing HMH’s commitment to improving community and population health.
“We are dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. This initiative is about more than just providing food; it’s about providing security, improving health outcomes, and showing our communities that we are here for them,” said Nicole Harris-Hollingsworth, EdD, MCHES, Senior Vice President, Social Impact & Population Health for Hackensack Meridian Health. “By partnering with expert organizations like Feeding America-affiliated food banks and leveraging our network’s resources, we are ensuring that our investments have the maximum impact, reaching the people who need it most.”
The BackPack Program reflects Fulfill’s broader approach to addressing food security through community partnerships that expand year-round access to nutritious food. By extending the program beyond the school year, Fulfill and HMH are helping children and families maintain consistent access to healthy food when they need it most. The partnership is made possible by HMH’s new multi-pronged commitment totaling almost $7 million to expand its fight against hunger and food insecurity. Of the total investment, $2.3 million is dedicated to the HMH Healthy Connections Nutrition Pack Program. The initiative launched in at least 13 schools and after-school programs in communities served by HMH, specifically targeting schools where 40% or more of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. The partnership with Fulfill has been extended through June 2027, allowing both organizations to continue serving children and families in need across Monmouth and Ocean counties.
Fulfill’s BackPack Program consists of gallon-sized bags filled with individually packaged breakfasts and lunches that fit easily inside a child’s backpack. Food items are selected based on feedback from participating children, families and school partners, with an emphasis on familiar, nutritious options that require minimal preparation. Distributed before the weekend, the backpacks complement the meals children receive through the SFSP by providing additional food support when weekday meal sites are unavailable. From December 2025 through May 2026, the partnership supported the distribution of 3,594 backpacks across multiple sites and 1,619 produce boxes through combined programming
Participating sites include Betty McElmon Elementary, Hugh J. Boyd Elementary, Ocean County YMCA, PAL Asbury Park Police Summer Camp, Project Teach, Regional Day School, South Paw, St. Raphael’s, Treasured Angels and Waretown UMC.
For the full press release, contact Elisabeth Seaman at eseaman@fulfillnj.org.