About Us

The Blooming Prairie Backpack Program got its start in the fall of 2016 when two local moms wanted to do something big to impact the community.  One of the local moms, our own Coordinator Karen Peterson had experienced food insecurity in her past and wanted to make a difference in the lives of students in the Blooming Prairie School District.  Food insecurity is real and ever presence in our community even though we may not see it; it exists!

Through research with area school districts social workers, the Channel One Regional Food Bank, our own First Lutheran Church and community members, we got the go ahead & initial funds to begin our Blooming Prairie Backpack Program in February 2017. 

 

Our first week we sent home 33 bags of food with students in our elementary school district.  Bags of food include two breakfast items, 2 dinner items, healthy snacks & fruit/vegetables when available.  Our program currently sends home 92 bags of food each week in preschool - high school. 

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Every dollar donated to the Blooming Prairie Backpack Program makes a significant difference in the food insecurity needs of our students.  It's been proven that students who have a full stomach do better in school academically.  When your stomach is growling, it is much harder to pay attention to what is being taught.