In February of 2014, Indian River rolled out its Backpack Food Program. The Middle School piloted this effort. It was such a huge success that Antwerp Primary, IRIS, and IRHS currently participate in this venture. Indian River Backpack Program, Inc. is a not-for-profit that discreetly provides needy students nutritious, child-friendly food items to take home on weekends and school breaks. This helps the children return to school ready to learn.

There is a great need for such a program at Indian River. According to the Child Nutrition Management System, Indian River has approximately 50% of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch on a yearly basis. Research supports that hunger can result in a variety of physical and behavioral problems such as tardiness, absenteeism, anxiety, aggression, and poor social interactions.