This program is entirely funded by donations and grants. And, as it has grown, so has the cost to sustain it.

Working with our partner churches, we are asking individuals, area businesses and service groups for financial support. Any donation would be so welcomed.

The cost of filling one backpack for the weekend is $4.53.

The cost to feed one student for the school year is $181.20.

The cost for this year's program, which will feed 586 students, is $106,183.

So every gift matters, no matter the size.

We are blessed by the opportunity to address the issue of hunger right here in our own community. We know the best way to end the cycle of poverty and food insecurity is through excellent education.

We hope you'll join us in supporting these students.

Donate Today

One out of four preschool-7th grade children in Albert Lea don't have enough food to eat over the weekend.

Today, funded by donations and grants, the Food for Backpacks program feeds more than 560 students in preschool, elementary and middle schools across the Albert Lea School District.

The backpacks are filled by a school social worker on the last day of school each week. Each student is given a food packet for the weekend with enough food to feed one person. The packets include 2 breakfasts, 2 snacks and 2 lunches. Meal preparation is kid-friendly and very minimal, and the foods are healthy.

A parent signature on a permission form is the only requirement for a student to receive help from Food for Backpacks.

There are no criteria to qualify—all they have to do is ask.

The cost for the food packets is $4.53 per student each week.

To feed a student for the school year is $181.20.

Since it started in 2017, the Food for Backpacks program has grown from feeding 33 students at one elementary school to over 580 students in preschool, elementary and middle schools each week. This is more than 25% of the student body in preschool - 7th grade in the Albert Lea School District.