News

Feeding Kids is our Priority

When kids go back to school, Feed My People Food Bank (FMP) does too. While we're already serving thousands of kids annually, too many are still underserved, especially in rural communities where food resources and programs are more scarce. That's why we're continuing to strengthen and expand our existing school pantries, Weekend Kids' Meals, and Pop-Up programs in as many west central Wisconsin school districts as possible. Children are our most vulnerable population with a high risk of struggling academically, physically, and emotionally when they don't receive the nutrition they need daily. Without consistent access to meals, learning suffers.

82% of Feed My People's agency partners and programs reported increased numbers of guests in need. -FMP survey summer 2022

Our school pantry program has grown significantly since 2020 and provides a familiar space for students to pick out groceries for themselves and their families. Every middle and high school in Eau Claire (EC) and Chippewa Falls (CF) has one. Many elementary schools do as well. We aim to continue expanding this vital program into even more school districts, especially in rural communities.

Weekend Kids' Meals, our direct backpack food program in EC and CF, is another form of access that allows students to take home a pre-packed bag of food to eat over the weekend. We partner with 42 additional backpack programs across the region. Whether it's a school pantry, backpack program, or a combination of both, schools with these programs report overwhelmingly positive feedback from students and families who are so thankful for the extra help.

These programs are working because they're meeting families and students where they are at. However, because the economic situation is keeping numbers high, it is more crucial than ever to keep forming new partnerships to serve every child possible. Thanks to targeted funding, we're currently reaching out to school districts in west central Wisconsin without food programming designed for low-income students. Additionally, we participate annually in back-to-school events in the EC, CF, and Altoona school systems to distribute groceries and help kids begin the school year strong.

We are grateful to every donor, volunteer, and partner who is helping us reach more kids with more food. Visit our website to find out if a backpack or school pantry program is in your school district and learn what it takes to support or start one.

Help feed one child for one school year. Donate $200 to FMP as a one-time gift or consider a 10-month commitment of $20. Include "child sponsor" in the memo.

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