The story of the Unbridled Charitable Foundation cannot be told without Blessings in a Backpack. In 2012, when the York Sisters embarked on their Unbridled journey, Blessings in a Backpack stood beside them as both the inaugural beneficiary and the fiscal agent for the very first Unbridled Eve Derby Gala. At that time, the Foundation’s nonprofit status was still pending, and Blessings’ partnership made it possible for Unbridled to take its first steps.
For many children in America, the school cafeteria is more than a place to gather with friends—it is often the most reliable source of food they receive all week. When the final bell rings on Friday, far too many face two long days without consistent meals.
Blessings in a Backpack was founded to meet that urgent need. The organization mobilizes communities, individuals, and resources to provide weekend food for school-aged children who might otherwise go hungry. Its vision is simple yet profound: that every child in America has the nourishment needed to learn and grow.
Since its founding, Blessings in a Backpack has become a national leader in the fight against childhood hunger. During the 2023–2024 school year alone, the organization distributed more than 3 million bags of food to children at 1,270 schools across 46 states and the District of Columbia. Since 2009, it has provided over 30 million hunger-free weekends for more than one million children nationwide.
The impact extends beyond nutrition. In partnership with Quaker Oats and Ipsos, surveys show that children supported by Blessings feel more cared for by their community, perform better academically, and experience greater happiness at home. These results confirm that each backpack represents far more than a meal—it is a message of hope, care, and belonging.
On average, $175 feeds one child for an entire school year, ensuring they return to class each Monday nourished and ready to learn. Blessings in a Backpack operates through seven regional chapters and more than 1,200 community-driven programs, each committed to ending weekend hunger for the kids who need it most.
Unbridled’s partnership with Blessings in a Backpack reflects a shared belief that no child should have to wonder where their next meal will come from. Together, we continue to fill backpacks—and hearts—with nourishment, dignity, and the promise of a brighter future.
To learn more or support their mission, visit blessingsinabackpack.org.