Our organization began in 2010, after a needs assessment by the Northland Community Foundation identified food insecurity as the most urgent challenge facing children in Clay and Platte Counties. Formed as the Northland Childhood Hunger Initiative, we initially worked to raise funds to expand the reach of the Harvesters BackSnack program, which sent shelf-stable foods home with elementary-school students on weekends.
Within a few years, the organization had evolved into Feed Northland Kids, a standalone 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. After fully funding the BackSnack expansion, Feed Northland Kids set its sights on serving students in grades 6 through 12 by establishing School Pantries that provided instant access to breakfast, lunch and snack items, plus family foods to take home.
When the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools and threatened the economic well-being of families, Feed Northland Kids sprang to action and launched a new effort designed to meet the community’s serious needs. In the spring of 2020, Feed Northland Kids created the Community Food Kit program, which provides families with fresh produce, frozen meats, and non-perishable staples at sites throughout our service area. Community Food Kits quickly became our largest program, and it currently provides hundreds of families with wholesome, everyday food each month.
In recent years, as Harvesters has deemphasized its BackSnack program, Feed Northland Kids has turned its attention to opening more School Pantries, including many in elementary schools. Throughout its history, Feed Northland Kids has rapidly adapted to provide school-aged children with the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and thrive. With support from local schools, donors, and volunteers, we bring real food to real tables across the Northland.
