THE ORGANIZATION DEVELOPED THE "SECRET MEALS FOR HUNGRY CHILDREN" PROGRAM THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL FOOD BANKS WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF HUNGER FACING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHILDREN. THE PROGRAM SERVES MANY CHILDREN RECEIVING FREE OR REDUCED COST MEALS AT SCHOOL, BUT THE PROGRAM IS OPEN TO ANY CHILD IDENTIFIED BY SCHOOL OFFICIALS AS GOING HUNGRY OVER THE WEEKEND. THE SECRET MEALS PROGRAM SUPPLIES IDENTIFIED UNDER-NOURISHED ELEMENTARY SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN WITH A 3.5 POUND FOOD PACKS IN THEIR BACKPACKS EVERY FRIDAY THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR TO SUSTAIN THEM DURING THE WEEKEND FEEDING GAPS WHEN THEIR SCHOOL'S FREE/REDUCED COST MEALS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THIS IS DONE ANONYMOUSLY, WHILE THE CHILDREN ARE OUT OF THE CLASSROOM, TO PREVENT THE CHILD FROM BEING SINGLED OUT OR MADE TO FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE. THE PROGRAM SERVES OVER 2,000 CHILDREN ACROSS SEVERAL COUNTIES IN ALABAMA.
