Idaho Foodbank Backpack Program
Understanding children's health concerns is your specialty and developing a plan to address hunger issues is our mission. Together, we can help alleviate the number of Idaho children facing the overwhelming challenge of getting enough food to eat each day.
As you know, the economy throughout Idaho is suffering and families are making heart-wrenching decisions on a daily basis. Do we pay for this month's rent or do we feed our children? Is it more important for us to fill prescriptions for the family, or eat? These are the life-changing questions families are asking themselves during these difficult times.
The Idaho Foodbank has a special program to feed children who school counselors have identified as chronically hungry. These are kids who tend to stash food in the pockets of their jackets at the free or reduced-cost breakfast line on Monday morning, or return to school feeling sick after a weekend without enough food. The Backpack Program provides weekend nutrition during the school year. Every week, 2,000 school age children across Idaho receive two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, two snacks and milk in a discreet backpack they take home over the weekend.
Teacher: One of my students was very excited to have "so much food". It was like he hadn't seen that much before.
When the elementary school-age child returns after the weekend, the school counselors refill the backpacks in preparation for the next Friday. The parents tell us that the program takes some of the guilt and worry out of having to make some of those tough family decisions.
The Backpack Program reaches children statewide and provides them with the food they need over the weekends. As we all know, child nutrition speaks to the well-being of the whole child. Without proper nutrition, a child's education, physical wellness, mental outlook, and overall self-esteem are impacted dramatically. Schools have identified 7,000 students in need of this program, and I anticipate that number to increase as the school year begins.
Please take a moment to consider an individual or group donation to the Backpack Program. The Idaho Foodbank can provide a Backpack with 6 meals and snacks to a child every weekend for $6.20. We have been able to keep that cost minimal by working with our food distributors to identify nutritious food low in fat and calories and high in nutrition. For $26.35, you can sponsor a child for a month of weekend meals and help that child realize there is much to learn in this world when you are mentally and physically prepared. For $241.00 you can help a child for a full school year, allowing them to realize the benefits of healthy living by eating nutritious foods on a consistent basis. If you are interested in sponsoring this program or have unique funding solutions, I would encourage you to speak with Adrienne Swain Smith in our office directly at 577-2679 to further discuss those opportunities to partner with us in feeding hungry kids.
Please know that The Idaho Foodbank does not receive any government funding to support or promote this program and we are completely dependent on the generosity of others to help more kids in need. We appreciate your time and thoughtfulness in considering a gift to support this program.
Sincerely,
Karen Vauk
President & CEO
Teacher: I had one mom tell me she wouldn't know what to do if her child didn't get free breakfast and lunch and also get a backpack on Fridays for the weekend. She was very grateful and in tears.
