Great Falls Food Bank Expands ‘Backpacks4Kids’ Program to Nourish Local Families

The Great Falls Community Food Bank has been helping kids since 2011 through its Backpacks4Kids program. Initially, the program focused on four elementary schools in the area. By 2017, it expanded to cover all 15 elementary schools in Great Falls and one in Vaughn.

Exciting news is on the horizon. Starting in Fall 2025, the food bank will also include both middle schools in Great Falls. Sandra Ferno, the food bank’s office manager, highlighted the importance of this program. She noted that many kids in the community face food insecurity. “The backpack program helps bridge the gap,” she said.

Right now, once kids graduate from sixth grade, they lose access to these food packs. This creates a gap that the food bank aims to address with the upcoming expansion. Principal Brian Miller of North Middle School stressed the worries he has for families at his school. “With rising food prices, ensuring our kids have enough to eat is crucial,” he stated. “We need our kids to come to school ready to learn.”

With the upcoming expansion, the food bank plans to deliver over 1,200 food packs each week. This will assist not just the elementary schools but also the two middle schools and Centerville School. “When schools partner with us, it helps ensure our kids don’t have to worry about food. That’s a big concern,” Miller added.

Currently, the cost of the Backpacks4Kids program stands at about $125,000 each year. However, the planned extension will raise the fund requirement by around 30%. This means increased community support is vital. Ferno emphasized that monetary donations are the best way to help, as they allow the food bank to purchase more supplies.

In addition to local efforts, Benefis Health System has stepped up this year, donating $25,000, with part allocated directly for the Backpacks4Kids Program. This generous support helps address the growing needs in the community. According to Eldon LaTray, an orthopedic physician assistant at Benefis, “Food prices are rising, and more people need help right now.” His sentiment reflects a broader trend: food insecurity has seen an uptick in many areas, with recent surveys showing that nearly 10% of American families are struggling to put food on the table.

The Backpacks4Kids program doesn’t just provide meals; it creates a supportive environment for students. As food bank director Shaun Tatarka mentioned, when kids aren’t hungry, they have better attendance and behave better in class. “It’s hard to learn when you’re hungry,” he said, pointing out the importance of this initiative in nurturing children’s education.

The food bank aims to launch its middle school program as soon as it secures the necessary funding, ideally within the coming year. For now, community support remains crucial in shaping a brighter future for the kids of Great Falls.

For more information on how to assist, you can visit the Great Falls Community Food Bank’s website here.



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