Weekend Snackpack program calling for volunteers, donations

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The local Weekend Snackpack program is calling for food donations and volunteers.

This year, the program is making weekly packs for 349 children. The program began in January 2010 with 124 bags going out each week. Over the 2010-2011 school year, the program averaged 250-280 packs per week. Children qualify by being eligible for free or reduced-priced lunches in the elementary schools. Parents sign up for the program at the school where the packs are distributed.

The mission is to put into the hands of children easy-to-prepare snacks for the weekend when parents are working or there is no food in their homes.

The program continues to be run from the home of Cindy Novachich at 609 E. First Ave. A large blue tote sits on the front porch to collect food items, and a large barrel collects plastic bags.

The program is supported by Mitchell United Way and other contributors. With increases in food prices and number of bags packed, help is needed to keep the program going.

Volunteers are needed to help pack the bags or to deliver the boxes to the schools. Food donations are welcome, too.

Items needed include 15-ounce cans of ravioli, beef stew and SpaghettiOs; 18-ounce jars of peanut butter; pudding cups; Rice Krispie bars; granola bars; fruit cups; applesauce cups; crackers; macaroni and cheese; ramen noodles; microwave popcorn; individual packages of brownies or cookies; and juice pouches or boxes.

For more information, contact Cindy Novachich at 770-5832 or by e-mail at 3856@PRKMC.com.

Tags: weekend snackpack, life, food, donations, charity, local, mitchell