While many kids look forward to weekends, for some in the MSAD 72 school district, weekends also mean uncertainty about their next meal. At the Sunshine Backpack Food Program, we’re working to change that.

Since launching in 2013 at New Suncook, we’ve expanded to serve all three elementary schools across the district, reaching children in Fryeburg, Brownfield, Denmark, Sweden, Lovell, Stoneham, Stow, and Chatham, NH. Each week during the school year, we discreetly provide bags filled with ready-to-eat, shelf-stable food to kids experiencing food insecurity. These packs are designed to be child-friendly, requiring no preparation beyond opening a wrapper or warming something in a microwave. For longer school vacations, we include larger bags with enough meals and snacks to help bridge those extended gaps.

Food insecurity doesn’t just impact hunger; it affects a child’s ability to focus, learn, and thrive. We believe no child should have to struggle through the weekend, distracted by hunger or stress about when they’ll eat next. Our goal is simple: to ease that burden and help every child return to school on Monday fed, focused, and ready to learn.

We’re proud to say that we’re an entirely volunteer-run organization, relying 100% on community support. Each week, we pack and distribute over 100 backpacks. Donations from individuals, local businesses, and community groups enable us to continue growing in response to the evolving needs. With rising food prices, every contribution matters more than ever. A $10 donation can fund one weekend’s worth of food for a child. A gift of $300 can sponsor a child for the entire school year.

We believe that every child deserves the security of knowing there will be food on the table, not just during school hours, but every day. With your support, we can continue to fill bags and, in turn, fill bellies, hearts, and minds with what they need most. Thank you for all of your support!