Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

This valuable program is an organization focusing on tackling food insecurity in our community.

We distribute weekend supplemental food bags for kids ages Head Start and kindergarten through 12th grade. We have also supplied the Common Ground youth center with summer weekend bags for the last 4 years.

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 on Friday for those that don’t 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 student 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’ heath and beauty bag for the kids at the beginning of the year.

In the 2021/2022 school year we supplied approximately 6 head start children, 25 elementary and 25 older kids weekly.

This program results in improved motor skills, memory and social interaction, reduction in grade repetition, tardiness, anxiety, aggression, and behavior problems in class. It had also been shown to improve math and reading scores and improve physical and cognitive development. Statistics show that 1 out of 6 children can be food insecure. This has dropped from 1 out of 5 when we started. This often results in parents depriving themselves in order to give children more.

This local community’s support has been responsible for carrying this program for the last 5 years without having to apply for a grant other than a grant we received from Signal peak 2 years ago. We also sell kitchenette brooms at The Alley Cut. Our big fundraiser is the Christmas Stroll that we participate in every year and sell raffle tickets for some beautiful prizes.

If you would like to contribute to this valuable cause you may leave money at the window of First Security Bank, or you can send donations to Doreen Rech @ 324 3rd Ave West or Robin Sibley at 915 3rd Street East. Please feel free to contact Doreen anytime for questions at 323-1245 or see us on facebook under Roundup Backpack Program. We have no overhead costs other than stamps and a few other small expenses so your money will all go to help the kids.

RBP is a 501(c)3 non- profit organization