2026 Summer Meals Program

Faith Presbyterian Church, Fannin County Family Connection, Feed Fannin, Snack in a Backpack, St. Luke’s Church, 1st U.M.C. Copperhill, St. Mark’s Church, and St. Catherine Laboure Church have joined together to offer a free Summer Meals Program for Fannin and Polk County children (ages 17 and under) who are in need. Donations are very welcome and are needed to provide meals and fresh produce for families with children from June 2-July 23, 2026.

During the school year, at least 70 percent of Fannin and Polk County children qualify for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals; 650 of those children also receive a weekly meal bag from Snack in a Backpack. The goal of the Summer Program is to provide healthy, nutritious meals to help the same children and their families during the summer break. Thanks to our partner, Feed Fannin, we provide fresh produce in addition to shelf-stable family meals for four that are purchased through the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. 

Last summer, more than 100 volunteers served 370 children and their families each week, providing more than 35,000 total meals. We are projected to serve 400+ children and their families this summer, and program partners are working to raise the remaining $38,000 needed to cover food costs for the 8-week program. That's approximately $30.00 per week per family. 

To sign up to receive bags:  

• Fannin County backpacksummer@gmail.com, 706-851-7283 (Register by May 19) 
• Polk County backpackbasin@gmail.com, 423-299-5755 (Register by May 15)

Volunteers are needed the following dates:

• Children's Bag Packing (Mondays at 9 a.m.):  June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20  
• Family Meals and Produce Bag Packing (Wednesdays at 9 a.m.):   
• June 3, 10, 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22  
• Deliveries (Thursdays between 11 a.m.-12 p.m.):  June 4, 11, 18, 25; July 2, 9, 16, 23  

Also, on Tuesday mornings, we receive our delivery from Chattanooga Area Food Bank. If you are a strong individual who can help unload & stock inventory, we need YOU!  Email backpacksummer@gmail.com to volunteer. 

HUNGER DOESN’T TAKE A SUMMER VACATION! To request additional information on ‘The 2026 Summer Meals Program’, please contact:

Faith Presbyterian Church: 706-374-5912, office@faithpresbyterianusa.org

Fannin County Family Connection: 706-632-6063, amandahyde@etcmail.com

Feed Fannin: 706-946-1001, feedfannin@feedfannin.org 

Snack in a Backpack: 706-851-8174,  backpacksummer@gmail.com

St. Luke’s Church: 706-632-8245, stlukesblueridge@gmail.com  

FUMC Copperhill (Ann Rymer): 423-299-5755, backpackbasin@gmail.com