We believe that when a child is fed, they are equipped to learn, grow, and imagine a future filled with opportunity. Childhood hunger remains a serious challenge in our region. During the school year, more than 35,000 children across North Dakota depend on free and reduced-price school meal programs to meet their daily nutritional needs. But when school doors close for the weekend, many of these children face empty cupboards at home.
The BackPack Program helps fill that gap.
Through partnerships with nearly 100 elementary, middle, and high schools across North Dakota and Clay County, MN, we provide children with a discreet, easy-to-carry bag of kid-friendly food to take home each Friday.
These bags typically include items such as shelf-stable milk, protein-rich foods, whole grains, and simple meals which gives children reliable access to food when other resources may be limited.
School staff help identify students who may be facing food insecurity. Participation is confidential, and bags are typically placed directly in students’ backpacks so they can take them home without stigma. For many children, this small bag of food means returning to school on Monday ready to learn.
Hunger among children can have lifelong consequences. Food insecurity affects physical, emotional, and developmental health. Children experiencing hunger are more likely to face illness, struggle academically, and experience long-term challenges that follow them into adulthood. But with support from our community, we can change that trajectory.
Join us as we work to ensure children have the nourishment they need—every day of the week.
Here is how you can help:
Donate Funds
Currently it costs $5.50 to fill a backpack with two entrees, two breakfast items, snacks, fruit, and juice. To sponsor a child for an entire year, it costs $210. If you would like to ensure children have what they need to learn and grow, give today!
Volunteer Your Time
Each week volunteers of all ages are welcomed to assist with hunger relief efforts at the Great Plains Food Bank, 1720 3rd Ave. N in Fargo. If you are interested in volunteering contact our volunteer manager:
Nick Bremer
Volunteer Manager
Phone: 701.476.9110
Email: nbremer@greatplainsfoodbank.org
Want to host a BackPack Program?
Requirements
At the Great Plains Food Bank, food safety and child safety are among our top priorities and we require food safety training for those operating the BackPack Program and background checks for those with frequent contact with students. Programs outside the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo community will need a 501c3 sponsor as each will be responsible for funding their own programs. Local schools may place a request to be included in the Backpack Program and will be accepted based on funding and the opportunity to expand.
For more information about starting the BackPack in your school contact:
Alicia Triemert
Childhood Hunger Program Manager
Phone: 701.476.9114
Email: atriemert@greatplainsfoodbank.org