Feeding Our Future
United Way Backpack Program
For many local children the School Lunch Program is their only source of regular nutritious meals. According to recent data, 27 percent of students in our coverage area qualify for free or reduced lunch.
When school is out of session, many of these children lose access to regular, healthy meals and spend their weekends hungry. The United Way Backpack Program sends a backpack of meals home with the kids who need it. Full bellies equal healthier children who arrive on Mondays ready to learn and thrive. For these kiddos, the future is looking brighter.
How can you help?
For $5 United Way will provide a weekend’s worth of food to a child who may otherwise go hungry. A contribution of just $2,000 will provide backpacks to hundreds of children in need. Thank you for your donation to the program. If you're interested in sponsoring at a more significant level, please call 701.255.3601 or download this flyer for more information.
Sponsor a food drive.
Many of the donations to the backpack program come from food drives at businesses, churches and events. If you're interested in hosting a food drive, here are some of the items that are most helpful.
- Capri Sun Variety Packs
- Apple Juice Individual Packs
- Small Boxes of Cereal Variety Packs
- Instant Oatmeal Variety Packs
- Pop Tarts
- Easy Mac
- Ramen Noodle
- Soup
- Chef Boyardee Beef Ravioli
- Fruit or Veggie Cups
- Peanut Butter or Cheese Crackers, Individual Packages
- Apple Sauce, Individual Cups
Please make sure items are in single serving sizes with easy pop tops and no glass. For more information on hosting a successful food drive, contact United Way.
Volunteer.
Want to volunteer with the Backpack Program? Register for volunteerbisman.com and become a "Fan" of United Way and we'll let you know when we need help.