Backpack Program
If you would like to use PayPal to make a donation
specifically directed to Baker City Backpacks,
please click the "Donate" button below.
In the Baker 5J School District, over 57% of the students enrolled participate in the federal free/reduced price lunch program. These children are at risk for hunger and many families struggle to provide the nutrition children need to thrive. Food insecurity has a marked impact on children's health and academic progress. Many children come to school distracted by their empty stomachs and are unable to focus on doing well in school.
The Backpack Program, established in 2010, provides supplemental weekend food for students in the Baker 5J School District who are in need and are at risk. The program provides a bag of non-perishable food to children that they can take home and eat when school meal programs are unavailable. These bags are distributed at
school to participating children in plastic shopping bags by their teachers or
volunteers as they leave on Thursday afternoons. (Our district does not have
school on Fridays.) The contents of the bags can vary depending on the
food and donations available. The program strives to provide enough food to
replace the meals that children would receive at school (e.g. three breakfast
options, three lunch options, two snack options and a fruit option). At the end of the 2021-22 school year, volunteers were filling approximately 200 backpacks per week. The pantry and distribution center is located in the basement of First Presbyterian Church.
The Backpack Program is run by volunteers and has
been sponsored by local donations from civic groups, churches, businesses, organizations, individuals, and
grants. It is truly a collaborative
community effort. We continue to develop and expand appropriate
funding programs and partnerships.
Our volunteers are hardworking, committed, and greatly appreciated. If you want to volunteer or need more information about the programs, you can contact Karen Kolb-Schoeningh (208.447.6953) or Jess Defrees (jessdefrees@gmail.com / 503-347-1919). If you would like to donate, scroll down for more information.
You can donate directly to this program by mailing a check or money order to:
Baker First Presbyterian Church
Attn: Backpack Program
1995 Fourth Street
Baker City, OR 97814