The Backpack Assistance Program, Haskill Creek, and local partners are working to fight food insecurity for kids in Whitefish, and we need your help right now.

We all see the headlines, food insecurity is a real risk for us all moving forward. Here in Montana, organizations like Abundant Montana are working hard statewide to tackle the issue. But right now, there are kids in our own community who are facing it daily.

This month, we’re partnering with the Backpack Assistance Program (BAP) to make sure no child in Whitefish, Olney-Bissell, Trego, or West Glacier goes hungry when school isn’t in session.

Here’s the reality: 140 local kids rely on these weekend food bags. Many are in the same classrooms as our own children. They sit next to them at lunch, play on the same sports teams, and ride the same bus home.

A friend recently joined a reading hour in her son’s class at Muldown Elementary. She was floored when 6 of the 22 kids received weekend bags—that’s 27 percent of the class. It’s a powerful reminder that food insecurity isn’t always visible. If that surprised you, you’re not alone—I was too. I’m willing to bet there are even more children in need who aren’t yet being reached by the program. For those who are, these bags give them peace of mind heading into the weekend.

Each weekend and extended break bag is filled with kid-friendly, nutritious basics—easy breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and fresh fruit or vegetables—designed to bridge the gap when school meals aren’t available.

Last year’s impact:

In 2024 the Backpack Assistance Program helped send:

• 3,878 weekend meals sent home
• 1,000 summer weekend bags
• 600 extended school-break bundles
• 40 middle and high school students regularly used on-campus food pantries at Whitefish Middle and High School to quietly pick up snacks, non-perishables, and other essentials when they didn’t have enough food at home.

Come shop at Haskill and support the BAP:

It takes $900 a week to fill those bags. This month we’re aiming to raise $1,800. That is enough to feed 280 kids for two full weekends.

• $1 from every sale this month goes directly to the Backpack Assistance Program
• On August 21, that doubles to $2 per sale

August 21 is also a community day: Stop by, meet the BAP team, try product samples, enter our raffle, and support a great cause!

Food insecurity might sound distant, but it’s happening right here in our valley. And while it’s hard to face, the good news is we can change this together. When we give, we’re not just filling plates, we’re telling these kids they are valued, supported, and seen by their community.

Let’s do this, Whitefish. Shop, donate, spread the word, and help us hit our $1,800 goal. Every child deserves to start the weekend with a full stomach and a bit more hope.

Want To Volunteer or Donate?

Lend a hand and make an immediate difference for local kids.

🎒 Wednesday Afternoon Open Volunteer Hours
Assemble weekend food bags from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM at the pantry space in downtown Whitefish, 311 E 1st St (next to Whitefish Thrift Haus, entrance in the alley). Bring a friend, kids are welcome too!

🛻 Thursday Morning School Delivery
Help deliver crates of food bags to Whitefish schools so staff can get them to students before the weekend.

💸 Donate Directly
You can also donate directly to the program: $60 feeds one child for a summer, $240 feeds one child for a school year, $900 feeds every child in our program for one week.

Learn More: Abundant Montana

Abundant Montana is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building a stronger, more resilient local food system. They connect Montanans with fresh, local food and work to reduce hunger through education, resources, and advocacy. Their mission complements the work of the Backpack Assistance Program, tackling food insecurity from both the immediate needs and long-term solutions side.