The BackPack Food Program of Blue Earth County, MN

ON NOVEMBER 16, HELP US REACH OUR "GIVE TO THE MAX DAY" GOAL OF $10,000! WE CAN DO IT! TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE SURE LCOAL CHILDREN HAVE THE FOOD THEY NEED TO SUCCEED AT SCHOOL AND IN LIFE.

Before we launched the BackPack Food Program, we talked to teachers in Mankato Public Schools about students and hunger. We heard many heartbreaking stories of poverty and hunger and their effects on the classroom. The one that drove us to get the program up and running as quickly as possible was the story of a young boy who was having trouble concentrating and keeping his hands to himself after a long weekend. The teacher sent him to the nurse to make sure he wasn't ill. When he returned, he was still having trouble so she took him aside. She inquired about his weekend and family life. Was something bothering him? The student beat around the bush at first, then he told her that it hadn't been his turn to eat that weekend.

It is hard to believe this is happening right here in our community, but we can do something about it.

The BackPack Food Program provides children from low-income families with food to eat on the weekend so they can return to school on Monday ready to learn. The food packs are discreetly sent home with students and include breakfast, lunch, and a snack for each day school is not in session.

The BackPack Food Program began in March 2010, with 41 students at one elementary school. Now the program serves 511 students at four Mankato public elementary schools. So, your donation is needed now more than ever.

Every contribution made will help our program purchase nutritious, child-friendly food items that will keep children from being hungry on weekends and during school breaks.

Help us continue the BackPack Food Program and expand it to more schools. Your support of this local program is greatly appreciated.