Weekend Food Program Fills Critical Gap for Lander Families

In Lander, many students rely on school breakfast and lunch programs for consistent nutrition, but these meals aren’t available on weekends. When the Friday Backpack Program—the county’s only weekend food initiative for students—unexpectedly lost its grant from Food Bank of the Rockies while facing doubled demand, volunteers knew they needed to find a new funding solution. After seeing this growing need in the community, one retired children’s librarian had an idea to seek temporary support while developing more sustainable funding sources. LOR’s funding helped purchase nonperishable breakfast, lunch, and dinner items, along with sturdy reusable bags that volunteers pack and deliver to school counselors each Thursday. This community-powered program ensures Lander children have access to nutritious food every day of the week, regardless of their family’s financial situation.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Lander Community Foundation.