Our Purpose

The GFCSD Backpack Program provides kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare food to Glens Falls students facing food insecurity at home. Many students in our district rely on meals provided at school as a primary source of nutrition, and our program helps bridge that gap when school is not in session.

Our mission is simple: no child should go hungry over the weekend.

Each week, students in grades Pre-K through 12 receive bags of food to take home on Thursdays. We also provide larger food bags during school breaks, including summer vacation. Today, the program serves more than 200 students throughout the district each year.

The Backpack Program is completely donation-funded and supported by an incredible team of volunteers who help shop, pack, and deliver food bags to each school every week.

Our Impact

• 200+ students served annually

• Weekly food deliveries districtwide

• 100% donation-funded

Our Story

The Backpack Program began as four separate PTA-run programs within the Glens Falls City School District. In 2021, community members, school staff, and volunteers came together to create one districtwide program focused on providing child-friendly, easy-to-access food for local students and families.

What started with 78 students has now grown into a nonprofit organization serving more than 200 students in grades Pre-K through 12 throughout the district.

Read our full story in our "History" section!