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BC Weekend Backpack Program

Research has shown that students who are not hungry attend school more regularly, have improved academic achievement, and have fewer disciplinary issues at school.

The Bethlehem Central High School Student Senate organizes a districtwide effort to address food insecurity and food shortages affecting some of our students through a weekend backpack food program. The program is intended to supplement food resources for affected students when school is not in session, focusing on weekends, holidays and school breaks.

Any student K-12 can participate 

Backpacks for students across the district are filled by staff and student volunteers every Friday (and before breaks) at the high school. Each backpack contains nonperishable, individually-portioned nutritious foods.

The backpacks are distributed discreetly to participating students at their schools each week.

Donate to support the BC Backpack Program

The Backpack Program is seeking food and monetary donations. Food items (see list below) are being collected at various locations this fall. Cash donations will also be accepted. Questions regarding donations to the Backpack Program can be emailed to Student Senate faculty advisor AG Irons at airons@bethlehemschools.org.

Food items in the backpacks 

The contents of the backpacks can change from week to week. Backpacks often include:

  • Granola and/or breakfast bars
  • Cereal boxes (single-serve boxes) 
  • Instant oatmeal packets or microwavable cups 
  • 100% Juice boxes 
  • Water bottles
  • Mac & Cheese (single-serve microwavable packets)
  • Canned ravioli, pasta, SpaghettiOs, meatballs
  • Canned tuna or chicken
  • Ramen noodles 
  • Peanut butter. plastic containers
  • Jelly, plastic containers
  • Cookies/crackers (single-serve, including peanut butter sandwich crackers)
  • Fruit cups
  • Pudding cups
  • Fruit snacks & Rice Krispie treats
  • Microwave popcorn
  • Bread
  • Coupons for milk

How to sign up for the BC Weekend Backpack Program

A letter of invitation will be sent to all families in the district at the beginning of each school year. Throughout the school year, some students are identified by school counselors, social workers, teachers, school nurses, and principals. For these students, a parent or guardian is contacted with information. Permission to participate in the program must be given by the child’s parent or guardian. If you would like your student to participate in the program, please reach out to your child’s school nurse.