about the backpack program
Why does the backpack program matter?
Kids who don’t get enough to eat begin life at a serious disadvantage. Children facing hunger are more likely to be hospitalized and they face higher risks of health conditions like anemia and asthma. And as they grow up, kids who missed meals are more likely to have problems in school and other social situations. The bottom line is that children facing hunger may struggle in school and beyond. According to Feeding America, they are more likely to:
For the ~3,400 Mower County students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, school breakfast or lunch may be the only meals they can count on. So what happens when schools dismiss for weekends?
Since 2013, the Mower County Backpack Program has worked to make sure that children have access to nutritious - and easy-to-make - meals for the weekend. Today, United Way partners with five school districts to distribute weekend meals to over 500 students each week. With your help, we can provide more food to more children in need.
- Repeat a grade in elementary school
- Experience developmental impairments like language and motor skills
- Have more social and behavioral problems
For the ~3,400 Mower County students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, school breakfast or lunch may be the only meals they can count on. So what happens when schools dismiss for weekends?
Since 2013, the Mower County Backpack Program has worked to make sure that children have access to nutritious - and easy-to-make - meals for the weekend. Today, United Way partners with five school districts to distribute weekend meals to over 500 students each week. With your help, we can provide more food to more children in need.
What is the backpack program?
Children enrolled in the program receive a backpack filled with food to take home on the weekends. The food is designed to provide children, who may be going without food over the weekend, with nutritious kid-friendly meals and snacks. Backpacks are discreetly given to children at the end of the week to take home.
Which schools are served by the backpack program?
The following Mower County school districts, and all schools within, are served by the Backpack Program:
- Austin Public Schools
- Grand Meadow Public Schools
- LeRoy-Ostrander Public Schools
- Lyle Public Schools
- Southland Public Schools
Who is eligible to participate in the Backpack Program?
Schools identify children who are at most risk to experience hunger in their homes throughout each academic year. School staff contact parents of identified children, who then give permission for their child to participate in the program. If you're interested in enrolling your child in the Backpack Program, please contact your child's school for more information.
who funds the backpack program?
Food security gained through the Backpack Program is made possible by donations from community members and businesses. Please consider contributing below.
Note: For large groups or to request a packing date, please contact Karem at 507-437-2313 or at Karem@uwmower.org.
