The Coeur d'Alene Backpack Program, a nonprofit providing weekend meals to food-insecure children, is struggling to meet a significant increase in demand. The program, which serves students in the Coeur d'Alene School District, has seen a notable rise in the number of children needing assistance.
According to program organizers, the surge is attributed to broader economic pressures, including inflation and the end of pandemic-era federal assistance programs. The program relies on community donations and volunteer efforts to assemble and distribute food packs each week.
Local news reports indicate the program is actively seeking increased community support through donations and volunteers to bridge the gap. Without additional resources, organizers warn they may be unable to fulfill all requests, leaving some children without reliable weekend nutrition.
