Backpack for Kids

Click here to learn more. Community Action Program Region VII, Inc. developed the Backpack for Kids project in December 2006 to address the need for food for children identified as being homeless in the Bismarck area.  Children considered homeless are defined as children who may be living in overcrowded housing, staying with family or friends, staying in hotels/shelters, or sleeping in vehicles.  These children are served breakfast and lunch while attending school during the week but may not have adequate food on weekends.

Backpacks are filled with “kid-friendly” foods which include cereal, fruit cups, pudding cups, applesauce cups, canned dinners, granola/cereal bars, peanut butter, jelly and bread.
 
Backpacks are delivered to the schools and school personnel distribute the backpacks to children they have identified in need of food.

Backpack for Kids serves 33 schools in Bismarck and Mandan providing over 1250 backpacks/bags of food each month.