FOCUS Family Backpacks, formerly known as Rapids Family Backpacks, was established in 2011 to assist children and families with food insecurity over the weekend while away from school.

 

A team of volunteers work with the local school districts to pack and transport the backpacks throughout the local South Wood County school systems. Students take home a nondescript backpack filled with food items and a voucher for perishable food items.

 

The program currently runs from October to May and as of late 2023 over 150 backpacks are being distributed weekly to families in need.

 

This programs takes a great deal of time and effort but provides such great benefits to so many children in need in our community. We welcome any additional volunteers and would love to share more about this program with you.