Backpack Initiative
Parents and Guardians
The community, staff, and parents of the Shaler Area School District are continuing the Backpack Initiative for the 2024-2025 school year. This program was established to assist students in grades K-12 in need of weekend food supplies. Each family participating in this program will receive a bag packed with child-friendly, single-serving snacks and easily prepared meals each Friday. At this time, there are no eligibility requirements for participating in this program other than completing the online registration at https://forms.gle/v2fzRUwkR8hcmBKj8
Please note that weekly item distribution is dependent on supply availability. While we expect to have supplies for weekly distribution, we cannot guarantee availability. Enrollment will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Donations
The Shaler Area Backpack Initiative is a program that was established in 2014 to assist district students in need of weekend food supplies. Food insecurity continues to be a concern in our community. Each family participating in this program receives a bag packed with child-friendly, single-serving snacks and easily prepared meals each Friday. The program distributes food to around 130 children. This year, we are also working to build a “pantry” with food and hygiene items for our High School and Middle School students. This program is funded entirely from donations. We are respectfully asking for community members and local businesses to donate to this worthy cause. Together, community members and local businesses can make a difference in the lives of the children in our district. Any business or community member that would like to make a donation can send items (a list of suggested items is listed below) to:
Shaler Area Elementary School
℅ Cassie Dudley
700 Scott Avenue
Glenshaw, PA 15116
(Please make checks payable to Shaler Area School District and write Backpack Initiative on the memo line).
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
The Shaler Area School District Backpack Initiative
backpackinitiative@shalerarea.org
All food items given should be single serve, shelf-stable, and non-perishable.
Meal Items
Soup
Cup Of Noodles
Pasta (Chef Boyardee type)
Macaroni and Cheese Cups
Ready-to-eat Rice
Breakfast
Oatmeal
Cereal
Granola bars
Breakfast biscuits
Applesauce
Fruit Cups
Pop-Tarts
Snacks
Rice Cakes
Crackers
Dried fruit(raisins, banana chips, etc)
Jerky
Chips / Pretzels
Trail Mix
Treats
Fruit Snacks
Animal Crackers
Cookies
Snack Cakes
Non-refrigerated pudding cups
Brownie Bites
Mini Muffins
Hygiene Items
Deodorant
Mouthwash / Mints
Feminine Hygiene Supplies
Chapstick
Combs
Ponytail Holders
