As children across Grand Rapids prepare for the new school year, Blessings in a Backpack has partnered with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr., the Dale Jr. Foundation, Meijer and Hellmann’s to bring a little extra help to children experiencing food insecurity. This dynamic collaboration has seen 1,500 backpacks packed with nutritious food at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids so students have everything they need to start school.

“With Blessings in a Backpack, we have been able to go into communities, pack backpacks and see children who are truly benefiting from these programs,” said Earnhardt Jr. “Giving back to the community is truly special and motivating to me and the foundation. It is an honor to work with such dedicated partners as Meijer and Hellmann’s to ensure these children have the nutrition they need to thrive.”

Earnhardt Jr. is a longtime supporter of Blessings in a Backpack and has been at the forefront of supporting the organization since 2011. His love of mayonnaise and banana sandwiches, which he famously shared on social media, sparked a wave of donations from fans who willingly gave to the cause. Earnhardt Jr. matched those donations up to $50,000, and Hellmann’s Mayonnaise doubled the impact with another $50,000. The ripple effect reached Bristol Motor Speedway and Richmond International Raceway, where $1 from every sandwich sold went to Blessings in a Backpack, raising over $160,000.

“We are thrilled to partner with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his Meijer and Hellmann’s Foundation to support the children of Grand Rapids,” said Erin Kerr, CEO of Blessings in a Backpack. “This collaboration shows the incredible impact we can make when we join forces for a common cause. We are grateful for the continued support of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and our dedicated partners and look forward to making a significant difference in the lives of these children as the new school year begins.”

At this recent event, volunteers went beyond the usual food offerings and added kid-friendly treats from Meijer and Hellmann’s, as well as personal messages from the teams, all in new drawstring bags. This thoughtful gesture ensures that each child not only receives food, but also feels the support of their community.

With a mission to fight childhood hunger, Blessings in a Backpack works tirelessly to provide meals on weekends to school children who would otherwise go without. The organization is gearing up to provide 3 million hunger-free weekends to children in 46 states and Washington, DC, and invites you to join the cause and make a difference.

The Dale Jr. Foundation, dedicated to empowering underserved youth, has raised over $11 million since its inception. The foundation supports over 300 charities, including Blessings in a Backpack, and continues to create opportunities for young people to reach their full potential.

Meanwhile, Meijer, the Midwest’s premier destination for one-stop shopping, remains committed to strengthening the communities it serves. With over 500 stores and a reputation for giving back, Meijer is more than just a retailer – it’s a mainstay for families across the region.

Additionally, Meijer is a long-time supporter of Blessings in a Backpack. They were the nonprofit’s first food supplier and Doug Meijer, a board member of the Midwest retailer, was a founding board member.

“I have had the privilege of supporting Blessings in a Backpack from the beginning and watching the organization grow and now support children across the country,” said Meijer. “As a family-owned grocer, we understand the importance of proper nutrition and we are proud to partner with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his foundation and Hellmann’s to feed children right here in our neighborhood.”

For more information on how you can help end childhood hunger, visit blessingsinabackpack.org.