Backpack Program offers free supplies, food

Getting kids back to school can be a financial challenge for some parents who are on a limited income.

In addition to clothes and shoes, there is always a list of schools supplies need to begin the new year. All three Mineral County schools offer free backpacks as well as free supplies to students as well as additional food for the weekend.

Costco has donated a lot of the backpacks, and private donations have helped to fill them with supplies, including glue, notebooks, pencils and pens. Mineral Community Hospital employees and local church groups and individuals are offering free school supplies on Aug. 16 from noon to 3 p.m. at the hospital specialty clinic, as well as at the Alberton Community Center from 5 to 7 p.m. during the Farmers Market.

Monte Turner with the hospital said they did not raise as much money as they have in the past and are concerned that they will run out if families come too late. The bags will be pre-filled for class groups: K-2; 3-4; 5-6; junior high and high school.

However, backpacks and supplies are also available year round at the schools. In St. Regis, students can visit the counseling office, and in Alberton, they can come to the front office. In Superior, backpacks and supplies will be available in the front area of the elementary school.

School secretary Dawn Bauer said parents are welcome to come in during school hours and grab items for their kids. She will also put a box of thank you notes out for those who want to thank people who contribute to the program.

IN ADDITION to school supplies, there is another type of Backpack Program available to children-in-need. According to the Montana Food Bank, nearly one in six Montana children live in households where food is scarce. Programs such as Free and Reduced School Meals help ensure that at-risk children receive food during the school day, but when school is out, it’s another issue.

In 2007, the Montana Food Bank Network developed the Backpack Program, which provides students with child-friendly, non-perishable and easily-prepared food to take home on the last day of each school week.

The bag of food contains enough for one child to enjoy breakfast, lunch and snacks on Saturday and Sunday. Any preschool sibling at home is automatically enrolled in the program, as well. Superior and Alberton schools participate in this program. Parents can contact the front office in Alberton and Dawn Bauer in Superior.

Bauer also has created and maintains a pantry room filled with food, hygiene products and clothing for students-in-need. In Alberton, there is also a resource room with hygiene products and clothing with donations always accepted. St. Regis is working on getting the Backpack Program into its school, and currently offers students food items they can take home at the end of the week through their hot lunch program.

Alberton also participates in the My Student in Need online program. Students with specific items can be featured on the site and solicit donations for things like new shoes. Teachers, parents and students can contact the administrative office for details.