What We Do

Each Friday that school is in session, a backpack filled with 4-6 lbs of food is sent home with participating students.

Participating children and their families use the food to bridge the gap until school resumes.

Students return the empty backpacks on Monday morning, well fed and ready to learn.

The Food for Thought program has identified a six-week cycle of menus that provide variety and nutrition.

Focus is on easy-to-prepare or ready-to-eat foods like cereals, boxed pasta meals, canned soups, vegetables, and fruits.

Families participating in the backpack program remain anonymous to program volunteers and donors.

Only the number of backpacks needed at each school is communicated.

School staff will discreetly distribute backpacks prior to the end of the school week.

Local / Regional suppliers are being sought for food items (Hy-Vee, Super Saver, Cash Wa, etc.)

Volunteers will meet weekly to pack backpacks and deliver to the schools.