Backpack Program

Dear Community Member,

I would like to take a moment and share with you a need within our community and the kids who live in it. Currently within Gateway School District there are a number of students who are struggling with the serious issue of going home on the weekend to a home which may not have enough food to adequately food their children through the weekend. University Park Elementary currently has a population of 337 students, of which 40% are on free and reduced lunch. Due to the current economy, many of those students are receiving the majority of their daily nutrition from the breakfast and lunch eaten at the school. This however, leaves a large gap in the student’s food intake at particularly vulnerable times, such as on the weekends.

Gateway School District is hoping to close the gap of potential hunger by providing weekend a backpack of food to students, which can supplement their nutritional needs starting at University Park Elementary before growing to support other schools. Our mission is to supply students identified as being in need a backpack, filled with non-perishable items such as peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, apple juice, and pudding cups, every Friday to take home for the weekend.

Where we need your and other community members, is in providing support in the way of monetary donations, or food collection. We are hoping to be able to place food collection bins around that area that can then be used to supply our students with the required food. If your organization would be willing to be an active part in combating this issue, or even to get more information in how you can help, we are asking that you please call 724-327-4113. Thank you in advance for your willingness to help put an end to this issue.

Sincerely,

Ms. Jennifer Hoffner, Principal

Needed Items

• Breakfast items such as cereal or pop tarts
• Oatmeal
• Mac & Cheese
• Soup or Ravioli
• Fruit Cups
• Applesauce
• Ramen Noodles
• High protein bars – 3 grams or higher of protein
• Peanut butter-no crunchy
• Cheese Crackers
• Pudding
• Fruit chews
• Juice Pouches or Huggies
• Pretzels
• Chips
• Goldfish
• Popcorn
• Granola/protein bar – 2 grams or less or protein
• Hot Chocolate mix
• Other snack items
• Bottled Water

For questions please call 412-457-0654

Drop Off Locations