The Mission
Our mission is to nourish the minds and bodies of children in our community by providing accessible, healthy meals and fun snacks that promote well-being and enhance happiness in family gathering times.
We are committed to bridging the nutritional gap in food deserts by sourcing fresh, wholesome ingredients and fostering a love for healthy eating. Through partnerships with local organizations, schools, and families, we aim to create a supportive environment that empowers children to make informed choices, cultivates their growth, and enriches their lives. Together, the Nancy's Happy Sak program strives to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, smile, be nourished and encouraged, no matter their circumstances.
Food Desert
A food desert is a geographic area where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food — especially fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other healthy options.
The Story Behind the Name
As a child, Nancy Young grew up in a food desert where her family depended on community services to get by. While other kids seemed to have plenty, Nancy and her siblings often found themselves wishing for something to snack on, or even just something to eat! It was tough for her to see other children enjoying their lunchbox treats or special family dinners.
For young Nancy, those days were filled with disappointment, as after-school snacks were a rare occurrence. In many food desert areas, parents struggle to meet their children's basic nutritional needs, making it nearly impossible to provide a tasty, healthy snack. One of the most cherished moments of Nancy's childhood was when her parents found an after-school snack program that offered brown paper bags filled with a few treats for underprivileged kids.
Although it wasn’t much, it brought immense joy to Nancy and her siblings, who affectionately called these little bags "happy sacs"!
After a successful career in the military, Nancy has become a former army captain and assistant pastor, blessed with the resources to support children in food deserts. She has deep compassion for those facing the same food challenges she once did. Now that she has been blessed, she is dedicated to spreading that blessing! In collaboration with her church's ministry and the Your Daily Bread food bank, a new initiative called Nancy's Happy Saks was launched in 2024 to help kids in need.
Explore the links and information to learn how you can contribute and bring happiness to children!
