FORK expands backpack challenge to $20k

As the cost of funding area Weekend Backpack programs continues to rise, Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) announced that a funding grant from the FORK Legacy Fund’s annual asset distribution will match all donations made to fund Weekend Backpack programs in May, up to $20,000.

“FORK’s ability to financially meet the changing landscape of food insecurity here in the Northwoods is why the Legacy Fund was created,” said Legacy Fund Chairperson Ben Rabenn. “Being able to work hand in hand to support Northwoods Weekend Backpack programs is an honor.”

Through this matching grant fundraiser, FORK aims to bring additional community focus on the efforts of the Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, Faith Lutheran Church and Prince of Peace Lutheran Church congregations and their ongoing efforts to feed children within the Northland Pines, Three Lakes and Phelps school districts.

“Funds raised through the 20K Backpack Challenge will be distributed to these local programs on a per-child served basis,” explained FORK president Perry Pokrandt. "Money shared with the congregations running local programs will help nutritionally support over 150 children through the distribution of kid-friendly food sent home each weekend.”

The church-run programs provide children with the equivalent of two supplemental meals to take home every Friday of the school year, with an approximate cost of over $7 each to assemble. 

“Funds raised in support of area backpack programs during the month of May will be matched by FORK, up to the $20,000 level,” explained FORK vice-president and Northland Pines School district administrator Scott Foster. “Through this effort, children from food-insecure homes get the weekend food support they need.”

The weekend Backpack Challenge is just one of the many ways FORK uses the annual cash distribution from its endowment to ensure the sustainability area programs focused on feeding children. The Legacy Fund allows them to do so both today and decades into the future. More information can be found at feedourruralkids.org/Legacy-Fund.

Donations to help fund the Northwoods Weekend Backpack programs must be made online at https://www.feedourruralkids.org/20k-challenge. Only donations made through this link will count toward matching funds. 

Donations can also be mailed to: Weekend Backpack Program, 4887 Echo Ridge Dr., Eagle River, WI 5452. Note Weekend Backpack Challenge on the check.

Feed Our Rural Kids is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. More information about them can be found by visiting feedourruralkids.org.