Last school year, 34,686 children in North Dakota relied on the free school lunch program to meet their daily nutritional needs.  But on weekends, many of these children struggled with hunger.  To address this head on, the Great Plains Food Bank launched the BackPack Program to meet the needs of these children at times when other resources are not available. Currently, it costs $4.25 to fill a backpack with food for six meals plus snacks.  If you're interested in conducting a food drive, volunteering your time, or sharing your resources in support of this program, learn more in the latest issue of Sharing The Harvest.

At the 3rd annual Youth Summit more than 200 students tackled the issues of hunger and homelessness in a daylong program that included panel discussions, a unique hunger banquet and a service learning project at the Great Plains Food Bank.  These area high school students packed over 4,000 backpacks filled with food to be distributed to children who don't have enough to eat over the weekend when the school lunch program is not available.  The passion and commitment demonstrated by these young leaders is commendable!

Imagine having to reuse soiled diapers.  One in 20 Americans struggling with diaper needs have cleaned out and reused wet or soiled disposable diapers. You can make a difference by joining the Huggies Every Little Bottom Campaign.  Donate diapers at your local Sam's Club through December 31st and these diapers will be distributed to our neighbors in need through the Great Plains Food Bank. Together we will insure that moms and babies in North Dakota will have access to diapers.