Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

RBP is a non-profit 501 c(3) organization focused on tackling food insecurity in our community. The organization distributes weekend food to Roundup kids from Head Start and Kindergarten through High School. We have also provided weekend bags for the last 3 years for the youth center in the summer. The qualifying child/young adult is recommended by the teachers or school staff or as a request by the parent. This is done discreetly to protect the identity of the recipient. There is an opt-out letter in the first bag that is sent home for those that do not feel the need for it. The bags for the younger students are purchased from Montana Food Bank Network whom we partner with. The Junior High and High School students’ bags are assembled by us to provide a more suitable age-appropriate food. We also have a cabinet at the high school for health and beauty aids and personal hygiene products. There is also access to coats, hats, and mittens when needed. Northern Treasures supplies a ‘jump start’ health and beauty bag for the kids at the beginning of the year.

In 2020 there were approximately 1288 bags of food distributed to the younger kids and approximately 400 pounds of food given out at the high school.

This valuable program results in improved motor skills, memory and social interaction, reduction in grade repetition, tardiness, anxiety, aggression, and behavior problems in class. It has also been shown to improve math and reading scores and improve physical and cognitive development. Statistics show that 1 in 6 children in Montana are food insecure. This often results in parents depriving themselves in order to give the children more.

The generosity of the Roundup community has supported this program for the last 4 years with an exception from Signal Peak Foundation 2 years ago. The 4 mask makers raised a lot of money for the program. We also sell kitchenette brooms at The Alley Cut. Our big fundraiser is participating in the Roundup Christmas Stroll every year.

If you would like to contribute there is an account at First Security Bank, or you can send donations to Doreen Rech @ 324 3rd Ave West or Robin Sibley at 915 3rd St. East. Please feel free to contact Doreen anytime for questions. 323-1245 or see us on Facebook under Roundup Backpack Program.