The CdA Backpack Program, part of the national Feeding America initiative, launched in November 2010 to address child hunger in Coeur d’Alene. Starting with just 16 students at Lakes Middle School, it now provides food kits to more than 550 students across 15 schools within the Coeur d’Alene School District each week — a number that continues to grow as community needs increase.
“Our area, like many others, has been facing the issues of a quick rise in population, housing, and living costs,” shares Sarah Bradbury, program director. “There is a staggering number of homeless families with children attending school in the Coeur d’Alene School District, as well as those receiving free or reduced-price lunch.”
Students at local schools are identified by school counselors who recognize those at higher risk of not having access to food over weekends. Each week, the CdA Backpack Program collaborates with these counselors to ensure that food supplies meet the demand of each school’s qualifying student.
Prior to taking on her role as director, Sarah was running a local food panty when she was approached about potentially taking over the program from its original director in 2018. She found it to be a natural transition. “It seemed like an ideal fit,” Sarah recalls. “I shadowed the director for a year before she stepped into a different role in the community.”
The CdA Backpack Program operates entirely on community support, with all funds going directly to purchasing food. Fifteen weekly volunteers, a volunteer executive director and donated warehouse space make this possible. “When we all work as a community, we can help alleviate hunger for any child identified as experiencing food scarcity and placed in our program,” Sarah affirms. “Our goal is to serve hungry children and, in doing so, restore their dignity, enhance school performance and improve general health.”
Reducing child hunger has a profound impact on students’ ability to learn, helping to boost concentration, attention span, retention and overall attitude.
The organization’s fundraising efforts are led by Jennifer Branstetter, who has been part of the program since 2019 after volunteering alongside Sarah at the food pantry. “Her connections within the community made her a great fit for fundraising,” Sarah notes. Jennifer also serves as one of the founding board members.
The CdA Backpack Program receives significant support from volunteers, a dedicated board of directors, and various local businesses and organizations. Key supporters include First Interstate Bank, Mountain West Bank, Innovia Foundation and Parker Subaru, among others.
The program continuously seeks sponsorships and donations. Community members and businesses can help by providing one-time or recurring donations, sponsoring a student or even a full school for a year, or participating in food drives. Items such as fruit cups, granola bars, hearty soups, peanut butter, and instant oatmeal are especially needed.
As the holiday season approaches, CdA Backpack Program is looking for businesses and community groups willing to host food drives to supply holiday break bags, ensuring students have access to food during Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks. Those interested in hosting a food drive can contact Sarah at sarah@cdabackpacksprogram.org.
Monetary donations can be made online at CdABackpackProgram.org/donate or mailed to CdA Backpack Program, 9030 North Hess Street #446, Hayden, ID 83835. You can find their Amazon wish list for school holiday break bags at Amazon.com.
In this season of giving, let’s show our support to the CdA Backpack Program and help make a difference in the lives of local students in need through the gift of food.
CdA Backpack Program
208.869.6547
CdABackpackProgram.org
