The need has DOUBLED

We are trying to fill a BIG gap in the community by delivering bags of food to 1,400 local kids EVERY weekend this school year. That's TWICE the need for food, funds, and volunteers and DOUBLE the IMPACT. 

End Childhood Hunger

In 2025, 30,140+ weekend backpacks of food were provided to 1,700+ children in our local community.

Common sense, backed up by loads of data, tells you that children who go to school hungry have difficulty concentrating, listening, and learning. This most often leads to decreased academic performance. Feeding America reports a link between food insecurity and an increase in school absences and behavioral issues. Poor nutrition can even lead to delayed development in young children, risk of chronic health issues, and have lasting effects long into adulthood.

For over 10 years, our United Way Backpack Program has provided food over the weekends to elementary, middle, and high school students across Bismarck-Mandan and many rural communities, including Linton, Hazelton, Braddock, Moffit, Hazen, and Beulah.

With just $8,000, your business can sponsor an entire weekend and provide essential nourishment to over 1,700 local children. Each backpack, filled with nutritious food, costs only $5. By organizing food drives and accepting individual gifts, we can ensure that every child receives the nourishment they need, supplementing the overall cost.

A Big Thank You To...

Our 2026-2027 School Year Sponsors

  • Sanford Health
  • Puklich Chevrolet
  • American Family Insurance
  • Starion Bank
  • Gate City Bank
  • Marathon Petroleum
  • Trinity Lutheran
  • Paramount Builders
  • Choice Bank
  • BNC National Bank
  • Bismarck Public Schools
  • Basin Electric
  • Bartlett & West
  • Essentia Health
  • Cornerstone Bank
  • Dakota Eye Institute
  • NISC

Your Impact

"I just received a call from a mom today asking if we could add her two children to the backpack program. She said her family has two special needs children and money is very tight. The food will help supplement the grocery bill while focusing on medical needs."
- Angela Messmer, Wachter Middle School counselor

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