As the school year draws to a close and the final bell rings, we want to take a moment to congratulate all the graduates of 2025 in Florence, Mapleton, and across Coastal Lane County. Your hard work, perseverance, and achievements deserve to be celebrated, and we wish every student a joyful, safe, and restful summer ahead. To all the kids heading into summer break, we hope your days are filled with fun, learning, and new adventures.
For many, summer is a time to slow down, recharge, and enjoy a well-earned pause from the routines of the school year. But at Food Backpack for Kids (FBFK), summer is anything but a break. While June 4 marks our last official food bagging day before the summer, our mission to ensure no child goes hungry never takes a holiday. In fact, the months ahead are some of the busiest and most crucial for our all-volunteer team and the families we serve.
Behind the Scenes: Summer at FBFK
When the school doors close, the need for food security doesn’t disappear. In our rural communities of Florence and Mapleton, nearly one in three children in Oregon faces food insecurity. For many students, the meals they receive at school are a vital lifeline. As the academic year ends, FBFK shifts into high gear to ensure that we are ready to meet the needs of the next school year.
Our work during these months is multifaceted and mission-critical:
1. Restocking and Replenishing Supplies
Throughout the school year, our shelves are steadily emptied as we distribute weekend meal kits to over 130 at-risk students each week. Summer is our window to restock. We inventory every item, identify gaps, and coordinate with our generous community partners and donors to replenish our pantry. This involves everything from staple foods and kid-friendly snacks to nutritional essentials that make each backpack both nourishing and enjoyable for children.
2. Menu Planning and Refinement
Each year, we take time to review and refine the menus that go into our weekend food packs. We listen to feedback from families, schools, and volunteers to ensure that our offerings are not only nutritious but also appealing and easy for kids to prepare on their own. Summer gives us the space to research new options, test recipes, and source items that will delight the children we serve—because we believe every child deserves meals that are both healthy and enjoyable.
3. Planning for Growth and Change
The need in Coastal Lane County continues to grow. As we look ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, we do not anticipate a decrease in the need for feeding children in Florence, Mapleton, and surrounding rural areas. Our team uses the summer to analyze trends, forecast demand, and adapt our operations so we can reach every child who needs us. This might mean expanding partnerships, increasing fund drives, or updating our logistics to ensure efficient, discreet delivery.
4. Volunteer Recruitment and Training
With more than 40 dedicated volunteers, FBFK is powered by community spirit. Summer is a vital time for us to recruit new volunteers, provide training, and build a strong team for the year ahead. We welcome individuals, families, and groups who want to make a tangible difference in the lives of local children. Whether it’s packing bags, organizing food drives, or helping with outreach, every volunteer is essential to our mission.
5. Fundraising and Community Awareness
Financial support is the backbone of our program. During the summer, we ramp up fundraising efforts to ensure we have the resources needed for the coming year. We also focus on raising awareness about the realities of child hunger in our community. By sharing stories, data, and ways to get involved, we invite everyone in Florence, Mapleton, and the broader Coastal Lane County area to join us in the fight against hunger.
Our Community: The Heart of FBFK
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our community. Every dollar donated, every hour volunteered, and every conversation about food insecurity helps us move closer to our vision: a community where no child goes hungry. The summer months are a time when your support is especially vital. As we restock, plan, and prepare, we rely on the generosity and involvement of individuals, businesses, and organizations who believe in our mission.
How You Can Help This Summer
- Donate: Financial contributions allow us to purchase food in bulk, fill menu gaps, and respond to urgent needs.
- Volunteer: Join our team! We welcome new volunteers for packing, organizing, fundraising, and more.
- Spread the Word: Share our mission with friends, family, and local businesses. Awareness is the first step to action.
Looking Ahead: Together, We Make a Difference
As we congratulate this year’s graduates and wish all students a wonderful summer, we remain steadfast in our commitment. Summer may look different at FBFK, but our mission never pauses. With your continued support, we will be ready—restocked, re-energized, and renewed—to serve the children who count on us when the new school year begins.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are building a stronger, more caring community—one backpack at a time.