Back Pack Program 

The Birchwood Area Food Pantry is deeply committed to supporting local families through a variety of impactful programs. One of its most vital initiatives is the Backpack Pals Program, which provides nutritious, easy-to-prepare food for students on weekends and during school breaks.

With 58% of Birchwood School District students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch—ranking us 14th out of 436 districts in Wisconsin—the need is real, and the impact is significant.

The Backpack Pals Program was created to ensure students have access to food even when school is not in session. Thanks to the generous support of donors and positive feedback from families, the program has grown and continues to meet the needs of more students each year. Currently, we’re serving approximately 65 students, a 15% increase from last year—and we expect that number to rise.

You can make a difference!
Becoming a “Backpack Pal” means sponsoring one student for the school year with a donation of $196.95 annually or $21.88 per month. We’re currently seeking at least 20 more sponsors to meet growing demand.

If additional funding is needed, the Birchwood Area Food Pantry is committed to ensuring the program continues by covering costs through its general fund. No child will go without.

Our ongoing mission is to provide weekend meals to every student in need—and to expand the program into a year-round initiative.

👉 To learn more or become a Backpack Pal, please visit the Birchwood Area Food Pantry website.

Together, we can nourish our students and strengthen our community.