Sanford Backpack Program

BackpacksOne out of four children in the State of Maine is food insecure, meaning they lack access to enough food to ensure adequate nutrition. Moreover, one in three Maine children qualify for food supplement benefits. Though many of Sanford’s children get their meals for free or reduced prices to feed them through the school week,  for some children they will not eat their next nutritionally dense meal until they return to school on Monday. Sanford Backpack Program sends children home for the weekend with a backpack full of nutritious and easy-to-prepare food to ensure they can maintain a balanced diet and return to school on Monday ready to focus on learning.

Help Us Fill a Backpack

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As little as $10 will feed two children for the weekend.

Donate online or mail checks payable to “Strategies for a Stronger Sanford” to  P.O. Box 958, Sanford ME 04073 . Please be sure to write “Sanford Backpack Program” in the memo or subject line of the check.

Fill a Backpack

The items below are essential to completing a child’s backpack as they are not normally found at local food banks.

  • box of pasta
  • can of spaghetti sauce
  • jar of peanut butter
  • crackers
  • canned meat (tuna or chicken)
  • canned vegetables
  • box of granola bars
  • fruit cups
  • fruit leather, dried fruit
  • applesauce cups
  • box of pancake mix
  • small jug of maple syrup

Note: Food items that are kid friendly (e.g., easy-open tops, plastic jars, instant mixes) and low sugar are requested.

For more information

For more information about donations or how you can support the program please contact Ayn Hanselmann.

Sanford Backpack Program is administered by Strategies for a Stronger Sanford and organized by Sanford school staff (teachers, guidance counselors, school nurses, and principals), parents and other community volunteers.