Sponsorship Opportunties

The ability to sustain the Backpack Buddies program and implement it in other schools within the Bemidji School District is solely dependent on funding.  As support is gained for the program, the United Way will add Bemidji area schools in the order of where the greatest need has been
determined by the Bemidji Area School District.  We will not begin a program in a new school until funding is secured to sustain the current school's programming and until funding is secured to support the program for an entire year in the new school. 


Next school year, the United Way hopes to secure enough support for the program to impact the lives of 300 students.  Only students that are enrolled in the school district's free lunch program and referred by a school employee (as a student experiencing food insecurity or hunger) will be eligible to participate in the program.  Parent/Guardian consent is also required.

The program will continue at JW Smith and expand to other district schools where students are at the greatest risk for experiencing food insecurity and hunger, beginning with Central Elementary.

300 students represent nearly 15% of students enrolled in the free lunch program. 

Bemidji Public School District, School Year 2011-12
Enrolled Oct 1 - PK-12
Reduced lunch = 535 students (10% of total enrollment)
Free lunch = 2122 students (42% of total enrollment)
Total = 2657 students are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program

Based on the school calendar breaks and weekends, 47 packs would be needed per child (this equates to about 188 meals plus snacks).  The investment is $3.18 per pack x 47 packs = $149.46 x 300 students = $44,838+* (*There is an additional cost for special dietary packs).    
 Link here - BACKPACK BUDDIES BUDGET 2011-12