BackPack Program
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-12:30pm | June 8th - July 27 |
| Anne Sullivan Elementary | 3701 E 3rd St. | Thursdays 11:30am-12:30pm | June 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-5pm | June 8th - August 10th |
| Oahe Family YMCA | 900 E. Church St. | Thursdays 3pm-5pm | June 8th - August 10th |
| South Dakota Urban Indian Health | 339 S. Pierre St. | Thursdays 3pm-5pm | June 8th - August 10th |
Location | Pick-Up Days & Times | Availability |
| General Beadle Elementary | 10 Van Buren St. | Thursdays 11:15am-12:15pm | June 8 - August 3 |
| Knollwood Elementary School | 1701 Downing St. | Thursdays 11:15am-12:15pm | June 8 - July 20 |
| South Middle School | 2 Indiana St. | Thursdays 11:15am-12:15pm | June 8 - July 20 |
| Rapid Valley Elementary School | 2601 Covington St. | Thursdays 11:15am-12:15pm | June 8 - August 3 |
| North Middle School | 1501 N. Maple Ave. | Thursdays 11:15am-11:45am | June 8 - July 20 |
| Youth and Family Services | 410 E. Monroe St. | Fridays 10:30am-12:30pm | July 8th - August 4th |
How You Can Help
Volunteer
We rely on regular volunteers to pack food that is distributed each week.
Find An Opportunity