WOLF PACK PROGRAM
WOLF PACK PROGRAM
The North Clarion County School District will be continuing our weekend backpack food assistance program (Wolf Packs) this school year, however we are now partnering with the Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB) of Northwest Pennsylvania. The mission of the Wolf Pack program is to help solve hunger by providing nutritious food to school-aged children who have little or nothing to eat outside of school during the weekends.
*How does the program work?
Nutritious weekend meals and snacks will be distributed discreetly in a disposable grocery bag, either to homeroom teachers or to the lockers of older children, to those students who qualify for the program. This year we will be increasing our distribution to every Friday or on the last day before a holiday break, should that fall on a day prior to a Friday.
*How is the Second Harvest Food Bank funded and how are donations received?
Second Harvest is able to support the Wolf Pack program through grants and donations. Food donations are received from food service manufacturers and distributors. Please note that some of these donations may be near or past their “use by”, “best if used by” or “quality assurance” dates. These dates refer to the last date that the product is likely to be at peak flavor and quality. This does not mean the food is unsafe to consume after that date. In addition, food items may contain ingredients such as nuts, soy, wheat, eggs, and milk. In most cases, each item will display a nutrition and ingredient label. Please be careful to read all labels in the event that your child is allergic to certain food ingredients.
*How do I apply for the program?
If your child is in need of weekend meal assistance AND qualifies for the free or reduced-price school meal program or if your family receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), he/she is eligible to receive Wolf Packs. Please contact the school office for a permission form. Once consent is received, starting in October through May, your child will receive a bag of non-perishable food items on Fridays to bring home in his/her backpack.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Wolf Pack program, please contact the school’s office or school nurse’s office.