3,000 backpacks donated to North Woods backpack programs

Because of this community’s financial support, three area Weekend Backpack programs will share the equivalent of 3,000 backpacks to benefit children from food-insecure homes within the Northland Pines, Three Lakes and Phelps school districts.

During this last month of May, FORK solicited financial donations and pledged to match every dollar raised in support of our area’s Weekend Backpack programs, up to a $20,000 match.

“Had we met our goal, that would have represented over 6000 backpacks for children and their families who need some relief from current economic struggles,” said Feed Our Rural Kids President Perry Pokrandt. “Though we fell short of that goal, we are hugely grateful to those across our community who stepped up to help these children.”

For years, Prince of Peace, Faith and Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran churches together have provided supplemental nutrition to over 150 children each weekend of the school year.

“The consistency of their effort is a testimony to the congregations of all three churches, and the work that they do throughout the school year,” continued Pokrandt.

Children attending schools within the Northland Pines, Three Lakes and Phelps school districts are eligible to register for this program by contacting their school districts’ guidance professionals.

Because of this funding shortfall going into the 2025-26 school year, FORK has decided to extend the 20K match through Sunday, June 22.

“If you are reading this article, we know you care about children,” added Pokrandt. “If you can give, and your check is dated June 22, Feed Our Rural Kids will match your donation to our area backpack programs. There are children that need this help! It just makes sense to make this one last push.”

Checks can be mailed to Weekend Backpack Challenge, 4887 Echo Ridge Dr., Eagle River, WI 54521

The available $20,000 of funding for FORK’s matching grant is only possible through the annual asset distribution of the FORK Legacy Fund. This endowment is a financial planning tool by which FORK looks to ensure the financial sustainability of both FORK programming as well as the broader community’s efforts to feed kids both today and into the future.

“To be clear, the Weekend Backpack programs are not FORK run programs, but as they play a significant role in the necessary efforts to feed kids, FORK stands behind the area churches who make this kind of help possible,” concluded Pokrandt.

To learn more about area Weekend Backpack Programs, visit FeedOurRuralKids.org/Weekend-Backpack-Program.

To learn more about the FORK Legacy Fund go to FeedOurRuralKids.org/Legacy-Fund.

Feed Our Rural Kids is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization.