BackPack Program

Child holding up his lunch outside and eating

Our BackPack Program ensures that children who rely on school meals do not go hungry over the weekend so they can return to school on Monday ready to learn.

BackPack units are filled with non-perishable ingredients that provide at least three nutritious meals. Food for this program is purchased so that the items are nutritionally balanced and kid-friendly.

BackPacks may include:

  • Breakfast items like cereal, oatmeal, or granola bars
  • Easy to prepare meals like mac and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, or canned soup
  • Shelf-stable milk or juice
  • Fruit cups
  • Canned vegetables
  • Snacks

Summer BackPack Program

Summer can be challenging for children without access to free or reduced lunches. That is why Feeding South Dakota has partnered with participating schools to keep some BackPack programs running to feed children over the summer weekends. Families can receive one BackPack per child once a week at one of the dedicated locations. No income guidelines or paperwork are necessary to pick up a BackPack, but children must be present to receive food (exceptions can be made if not all children are present). All participating locations and location info can be found in the drop-downs below.

Location

Pick-Up Days & Times

Availability

Garfield Elementary | 705 S Roberts Dr.

Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm

June 8th - July 27
Terry Redlin Elementary | 1721 E Austin St.

Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm

June 8th - July 27

Lowell Elementary | 710 W 18th St.

Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pmJune 8th - July 27
Anne Sullivan Elementary | 3701 E 3rd St.Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pmJune 8th - July 27
Cleveland Elementary | 1000 S Edward Dr.

Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm

June 8th - July 27
Eugene Field Elementary | 501 S Highland Ave.

Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm

June 8th - July 27
Hawthorne Elementary | 601 N Spring Ave.

Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm

June 8th - July 27
Laura B Anderson Elementary | 1600 N Wayland Ave.

Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm

June 8th - July 27

Location

Pick-Up Days & Times

Availability

Southeast Pierre Community Center | 2315 E. Park St.Thursdays 3pm-5pmJune 8th - August 10th
Oahe Family YMCA | 900 E. Church St.Thursdays 3pm-5pmJune 8th - August 10th
South Dakota Urban Indian Health | 339 S. Pierre St.Thursdays 3pm-5pmJune 8th - August 10th

Location

Pick-Up Days & Times

Availability

General Beadle Elementary | 10 Van Buren St.Thursdays 11:15am-12:15pmJune 8 - August 3
Knollwood Elementary School | 1701 Downing St.Thursdays 11:15am-12:15pmJune 8 - July 20
South Middle School | 2 Indiana St.Thursdays 11:15am-12:15pmJune 8 - July 20
Rapid Valley Elementary School | 2601 Covington St.Thursdays 11:15am-12:15pmJune 8 - August 3
North Middle School | 1501 N. Maple Ave.Thursdays 11:15am-11:45amJune 8 - July 20
Youth and Family Services | 410 E. Monroe St.Fridays 10:30am-12:30pmJuly 8th - August 4th

How You Can Help

Donate

It costs $6 to fill a BackPack each week with nutritional kid-friendly food.

Give Now
Host

Partner with us to provide this valuable program in your school district.

Contact Us
Volunteer

We rely on regular volunteers to pack food that is distributed each week.

Find An Opportunity

To find out if your school offers a backpack program contact the school's counselor.