Weekend Food Program
THE NEED IS REAL
Poverty levels are on the rise due to the current economy, and too many Idaho children are hungry over the weekends. Throughout Idaho, teachers share many stories of children returning to school on Monday after a weekend without enough to eat. Studies focusing on children deprived of food indicate that they are more likely to become sick, have a decreased attention span, and lack the enthusiasm to learn because they are concentrating on their hunger more than learning.
" The weekend food bag program is a godsend. Some of our children would not eat over the weekend without it-- they tell us such. We have some children who come back to school so hungry that we give them any leftover food bags we have from the week before that were not picked up due to absences, etc. If we lost this program, I do not know how we would feed a large population of Kootenai kids. It's such a blessing. It lets families know that we do not only care about educating their children, but are partnering to help support them in raising their families as well. "
-Mrs. Knowels, Kootenai Elementary
THE HISTORY
The Weekend Food Program (formerly known as the Backpack program) began when a school nurse noticed the same students came to her with stomach aches and dizziness each Monday morning. She realized that they had not eaten since their free school lunch the Friday before. In response, schools started sending home food on Fridays but made the mistake of putting the groceries in paper bags. The children were singled out and made to feel uncomfortable as well as hungry. Placing food discreetly in grocery bags helped them to look no different than other students while ensuring they received the nutrition they needed.
HOW IT WORKS
The Bonner Community Food Bank works in partnership with school officials and Food For Our Children to identify chronically hungry children that could benefit from the Weekend Food Program. The Food Bank houses the Weekend Food program, orders the food, coordinates the volunteers who help with the program, identifies funding sources and advertises the program.
FOOD & NUTRITION
The weekend backpack weighs about six pounds and includes child-friendly, nutritious, non-perishable foods. These items will generally be two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and two snacks that are easy to prepare. The children return to school on Monday nourished and ready to learn.
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YOU CAN HELP
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In the 2023-24 school year, we are distributing over 400 weekend food kits weekly.
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Cost for one weekend backpack: $5.00
Sponsor one child for one month: $20.00
Sponsor one child for one year: $200.00
*Sponsor a school – please contact us for more information.
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To be a sponsor or volunteer for the Weekend Food Program, or for more information, please contact us at 208-263-3663 or info@bonnercommunityfoodbank.org
Mail Checks Payable To:
BCFB Weekend Food Program
1707 Culvers Drive
Sandpoint, ID 83864
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​Or Donate Online:
