Backpack program works through schools to address child and family food insecurity

Food security programs have gotten a lot of attention over the past several weeks as uncertainty swirled around funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Across the nation communities rallied to support food access systems, and it increased awareness of what resources are available.

Here in Cook County, one way families with children who are experiencing food insecurity can access help is the Backpack Program. Extension Educator and Community Center Director Sarah Waddle told WTIP that the Backpack Program is coordinated by the Extension office, and is carried out by schools in the community, distributing food directly to children who need it.

While the food is delivered to students at school, the bags of food come from Second Harvest Northland Food Bank. Waddle said that on Fridays the bags are distributed discreetly into students’ backpacks or lockers.

The program is available to any of the local schools, but at this time it is only active at Sawtooth Elementary School and Great Expectations School (GES). Waddle said that about 10 GES students and 60 Sawtooth students participate in the program.

There are two sizes that program participants can chose from. The smaller size is portioned to provide food for one child over a weekend. The larger family pack is sized to supplement a whole family’s food needs over a weekend. Waddle said that because some of them are receiving a family bag, the impact of the program extends beyond the roughly 70 students participating.

The bags generally contain shelf-stable items, and Waddle said they tend to be simple meals that a child could prepare on their own if necessary. She added, though, that the Grand Marais Food Shelf provides additional support to program participants in the form of vouchers to local grocery stores that can be used to buy fresh fruit and vegetables.

Waddle said that any school family experiencing food insecurity can access the program. She said that the schools typically try to let parents know about the option at the beginning of the year, but that it isn’t too late to take part. At Sawtooth, the program is organized by Anna Sandstrom, the school social worker, who can be contacted at asandstrom@isd166.org. GES parents can contact Lesa Hofer at learn@greatexpectationsschool.com.

WTIP’s Kirsten Wisniewski spoke with Extension Educator and Community Center Director Sarah Waddle about the Backpack Program. Audio of the interview is below.

Kirsten Wisniewski November 22, 2025