The Houston Food Bank has announced a $1 million gift from the Kinder Foundation in support of its Backpack Buddy program, which provides children in need with nutritious food on Fridays or the last day of school before a holiday weekend.

Launched in 2006, the program provides close to 30,000 food-filled backpacks a month to students in a manner that avoids inviting unwanted attention to the child. Forty-eight Houston Food Bank member agencies also assist with the distribution of backpacks, providing non-perishable food to chronically hungry students who might otherwise go without. With support from the foundation, the organization plans to expand the program to 1,000 sites, up from 381 currently, with the goal of reaching 27,000 students by 2017.

"The Houston Food Bank has a track record of working to provide the most basic and significant support for children to develop and lead healthy, productive lives," said Kinder Foundation president Nancy G. Kinder. "We hope this gift will have a meaningful impact and also inspire others."