The Panther's Survival Programs and the Free Breakfast Program

The Black Panther Party's survival programs were instrumental in providing support and empowerment to marginalized communities. One of their most impactful initiatives was the Free Breakfast Program, which served breakfast to thousands of children across the country. The program not only provided essential nourishment, but also highlighted the failings of the government to address the needs of these communities. It embarrassed the federal government into establishing their own school breakfast program. The Panthers also organized various other survival programs, such as medical clinics, grocery and prescription delivery services, and volunteer ambulance services. Their commitment to community defense and mutual aid expanded beyond racial lines, as they formed the Rainbow Coalition, which united organizations representing Puerto Rican, white Appalachian, and Native American communities. The Panthers also openly supported the feminist and gay liberation movements. Their survival programs showcased the Panthers' dedication to addressing the immediate needs of their communities while striving for revolutionary change.