Even with food disruptions and schedule changes, the popular BackPack program is returning to operations. Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank announced in a press release on September 30, that they will begin distributing the food to regional schools.

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COVID-19 has caused food shortages and disruption to the U.S. food inventory. That makes food distribution that much more important. The BackPack program provides meals and food to children when school isn't in session and they are going without federally subsidized school breakfast and lunches. In the last 10 years of the BackPack program, Second Harvest has provides food to over 1,100 children weekly across 16 different Northland School Districts in Minnesota and Wisconsin. For example, last school year Second Harvest supplied over 33,000 weekend bags of food to children in need.

Dan Wilson, Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank's Program Director expresses his appreciation for school partners.

"We know districts are already navigating so many challenges related to COVID-19, yet they are committed to this porgram and getting food to kids in their schools. We truly couldn't feed children without them."

Second Harvest has said it's been a challenge with current U.S. food inventory to obtain non-perishable food items. They have been able to pilot larger sized entrees last year and that's the available inventory, so kids will get larger bags for them and their families.

If you would like to find out more information or becoming a helping partner, you contact Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank at 218-727-5653. You can also visit their website at northernlakesfoodbank.org.

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