History

Our Beginning

Before 2021, the Backpack Program in the Glens Falls City School District operated as four separate programs through each school’s PTA: Big Cross, Jackson Heights, Kensington Road, and the Middle School. At that time, the Open Door Mission provided food to each school at no cost to the district. Volunteers at each building picked up, packed, and distributed food bags weekly to students in the program.

Continuing During the Pandemic

After the 2020 school year, the Open Door Mission was no longer able to provide food for the program. Recognizing how important the Backpack Program was to students and families, especially during the pandemic, we knew we had to find a way to continue serving our community.

With financial support from the Glens Falls Foundation, the individual school programs were able to continue operating temporarily.

Creating a Better Food Model

Some schools partnered with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to help supply food. While appreciated, much of the food required preparation, such as boxed pasta and jars of sauce.

We wanted to provide food that was specifically chosen for children — items that even a kindergarten student could easily open and prepare independently. We also wanted to be mindful that some students may be living in temporary housing, such as motels, without access to a full kitchen.

One Districtwide Program

During the summer of 2021, we worked with building principals and social workers to combine efforts and create one districtwide program: the GFCSD Backpack Program.

The newly combined program initially served K–8 students across the district.

Finding a Home

One of our first challenges was finding a workspace, as the district did not have available space to house the program. Through community connections, we were fortunate to partner with Christ Church United Methodist, which generously provided space in its office and preschool building at no cost.

The consolidated program officially launched in October 2021 under the Middle School PTSA with 78 students enrolled.

Growing Through Community Support

To stretch donations as far as possible, volunteers shopped weekly in bulk at stores such as Walmart and BJ’s. Every week, volunteers gathered to pack and deliver food bags to each school building.

With the support of school food drives, local business donations, grants, and assistance from Tri-County United Way, the program continued to grow.

In the summer of 2022, we were able to expand services through July and August for the first time.

Becoming a Nonprofit

The 2022–2023 school year began with 110 students enrolled in the program. Around that same time, we began exploring the possibility of becoming an independent nonprofit organization rather than operating under local PTAs. This would allow greater access to grants and long-term funding opportunities.

That vision became a reality in October 2022 when the GFCSD Backpack Program, Inc. officially became a nonprofit organization.

Where We Are Today

In 2023, the program expanded to include high school students. Today, the program serves more than 225 students in grades Pre-K through 12 across the district.

Every week, volunteers continue to pack and deliver food bags so that local students have access to food when school is not in session.

What began as a small community effort continues to grow through the generosity of volunteers, donors, schools, and local families working together to support Glens Falls students. 

Read more about our program in Glens Falls Living https://www.glensfallsliving.com/blog/my-glens-falls-sara-dilandro

Hear more about our program on the Podcast "Just off Glen" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/just-off-glen-podcast/id1556110058?i=1000628020094