Blessings in a Backpack has announced an ongoing partnership with the Related Affordable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to enriching the lives of affordable housing residents and breaking the generational cycle of poverty. Starting in 2020, Blessings in a Backpack and Related Affordable Foundation began distributing backpacks full of food for elementary school children in the Blessings in a Backpack program across key areas with food insecurity including Austin, Texas, Los Angeles and Oakland, Calif. and Harlem, N.Y.

The distribution events are part of a new collaboration to provide over 500 children living in food-insecure households with food essentials over the weekend when there are no school meals provided.

“We are proud to partner with Blessings in a Backpack to continue the great work they do across the U.S.,” said Leleah James, Manager of the Related Affordable Foundation. “The foundation is committed to addressing fundamental problems that affect affordable housing residents and their surrounding communities and providing free, nutritious meals will help alleviate some stress for families and children in need.”

“We are beyond grateful that the Related Affordable Foundation is partnering with Blessings in a Backpack this school year to help provide hunger-free weekends for children facing food-insecurity,” said Brooke Wiseman, CEO of Blessings in a Backpack.

About the Related Affordable Foundation

The Related Affordable Foundation (RAF) is a charitable, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization committed to enriching the lives of affordable housing residents and breaking the generational cycle of poverty. Established in 2016, the Related Affordable Foundation sponsors impactful programs and activities in the areas of education, food security, health & wellness, and workforce development. To date the foundation has awarded more than $500,000 to organizations that address the unmet needs of affordable housing residents and the neighboring communities. For more information on the Related Affordable Foundation, please contact relatedaffordablefoundation@related.com.