By Sandy Simmons, SCLA
A Weekend Lifeline
For more than 17 years, the Leavenworth Backpack Buddies program has provided a steady source of nourishment and hope for local children. Each weekend, the program supplies a bag of food to students in Leavenworth schools who have been identified as food-insecure by federal and district standards.
According to Harvesters, a regional partner of the Feeding America program, Leavenworth County has an 18.4% food insecurity rate among children under 18, with an annual family food budget shortfall of more than $7.6 million. To help address that need, Backpack Buddies purchases nutritious, shelf-stable food from Harvesters and distributes it through elementary schools and Head Start programs, so children do not go hungry over the weekend.
Community Generosity
The program is sustained by the generosity of the Leavenworth community. Individuals, churches, banks, and local organizations all contribute to ensure its continued success.
When Backpack Buddies began, it cost about $175 per child per school year to supply food to recipients. Today, that cost has risen to $308 per child. The program currently reaches about 310 students each week.
Partners in Mission and Hope
The Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth and the University of Saint Mary have been long-time supporters of the program, offering both financial assistance and community encouragement. Their partnership has helped assist Backpack Buddies through years of changing needs, ensuring that students in Leavenworth have consistent access to nutritious meals throughout the school year.
School principals, teachers, and staff have expressed deep gratitude for the Leavenworth Backpack Buddies program and for the community partnerships that make it possible. The impact is evident: many children return to school on Mondays, better nourished, more focused, and ready to learn.
Feeding the Future
As noted by the Leavenworth Times in April 25, 2025, “the program continues to serve pre-K through third-grade students each week, providing single-serving, nonperishable, vitamin-fortified food items at no cost to families or schools.”
The Leavenworth Unified School District website states that, “Since its founding, the partnership between Backpack Buddies, Harvesters, and local schools has distributed more than two million food items to students in need.”
A local effort to feed hungry children has grown into a model of collaboration, transforming awareness into action for lasting change.
