via justjared.com

What kid wouldn’t want Lizzie Mcguire filling their backpack with snacks and supplies? Disney-star and film actress Hilary Duff is keeping busy packing backpacks for elementary school kids.

The actress and pop star is visiting an elementary school in Fort Myers, Florida today on behalf of the Blessings in a Backpack program to talk to students and pack some bags with nutritious treats. The program provides underprivileged children who qualify for the federal fee and reduced meal program with enough food to take home each weekend.

The young starlet is expected to begin shooting a feature film “The Story of Bonnie and Clyde” in April so she may be squeezing in some charity work before she has to run off to set. She is a long term advocate of the hunger cause and children’s rights.

Since the recession, the number of children participating in the program in For Myers has increased from 50% to 62%. However, the backpack program continues to be a useful resource by simply providing children with the right nutrition. The effects of the program have proven to improve test scores, reading skills, positive behavior, and better health.

Stan Curtis, founder of Blessings in a Backpack, says that, “She feeds 1,100 children a week in Los Angeles. You won’t find a famous person more visible and vocal when it comes to her philanthropy.”

You can help create a meal program in your hometown too, by contacting local soup kitchens, grocery stores, and schools to make it happen. Check out the video of Hilary’s work with Blessings in a Backpack and tell us what you think!

By CGG reporter, Caroline Kotter