Kiawah Women’s Foundation Backpack Buddies: Serving Students All Year Long

After launching a successful inaugural summer program, the Kiawah Women’s Foundation (KWF) Backpack Buddies program is back for the 2025–2026 school year. Packing resumes Aug. 27, with the first deliveries to local schools on Aug. 28.

This summer, KWF partnered with the Charleston County School District’s Summer Feeding Program, the Johns Island Library, Angel Oak Elementary’s Owlventure Camp, and Mt. Zion Elementary’s Kaleidoscope programs to provide 100 weekend food bags weekly to local students. The goal: to ensure no child goes hungry when school cafeterias are closed.

During the 2024–2025 school year, KWF served 355 students weekly at four schools, packing over 11,700 bags containing more than 56,000 meals along with snacks. The foundation also stocked hygiene closets, delivered fresh fruit twice a week to Frierson Elementary, provided holiday gifts and clothing to children in need, supported sports teams, and fulfilled teacher and classroom wish lists.

This year, KWF is expanding its reach by adding the St. John’s High School Food Pantry, which will be stocked with nutritious food, clothing, and hygiene products. Weekend Backpack Buddy bags will continue for students at Haut Gap Middle School, E.L. Frierson Elementary, and Minnie Hughes Elementary.

“Our mission is simple — to ensure that every child in the region has access to nutritious food. We never want hunger to be a blockade to learning,” said Farish Perlman, KWF Chair.

To volunteer or donate, visit www.kiawahwomensfoundation.org and help KWF ensure that no local child faces hunger or goes without basic essentials.