The WSK Backpack Program is Now Owned and Led by GLFB
As of July 1, Weekend Survival Kits (WSK) has transferred ownership and leadership of the WSK Backpack Program to GLFB after 12 years of partnership. Our team is eager to bring a new set of resources and expanded seven-county service area to the program, which will help WSK continue to strengthen our community by getting more food to more kids.
WSK staff is working closely with GLFB throughout this transition to ensure the stability of programing and continuity of service, and the transition will be completed ahead of the 2023/2024 school year to ensure no disruption to schools.
WSK volunteers are encouraged to continue championing the WSK Backpack Program both onsite at GLFB by packing food kits and as delivery drivers to schools.
About the WSK Backpack Program
Backpacks (or children’s emergency food kits) are bags of food that slip discretely into a child’s backpack and are intended to meet the nutritional needs of children during non-school hours, specifically over the weekends or longer breaks. The program focuses on children who receive free or reduced price meals during the school day.
All food is kid-friendly, non-perishable and easy for a child to prepare or help prepare. Each kit contains enough servings of food for two weekends for one child.
Common kit items include: granola bars, oatmeal, cereal, shelf-stable milk, boxed noodle meals, canned soup, canned fruit and vegetables, crackers and peanut butter.
Why It Matters
Across mid-Michigan, 1 in 8 children are experiencing food insecurity. During the 2022/2023 school year, WSK and GLFB distributed a combined 8,500 backpacks monthly to schools and other community partners throughout our seven-county service area.
Programs designed to meet the nutritional needs of children during non-school hours in the evenings and on weekends help ensure children remain nourished without a parent or guardian being faced with the choice between feeding their child and feeding themselves, or seeking out healthcare, or paying their bills.
The WSK Backpack Program is critical to make sure children don’t experience interruptions to the consistent nutrition they need to grow, play and thrive.
Questions?
Partner schools/organizations
Michael Gardyko, Jr., Outreach Specialist — Weekend Kits
michael@glfoodbank.org | (517) 908-3693
Volunteers
Erin Reincke, Director of Supply Chain & Logistics
erinr@glfoodbank.org | (517) 908-3691
Donors and other inquiries
Kelly Miller, Director of Philanthropy
kelly@glfoodbank.org | (517) 853-7819