The Great Falls Community Food Bank's Backpacks4Kids initiative is set for a significant expansion. Originally launched in 2011, the program initially targeted four elementary schools with high poverty rates. By 2017, it had expanded to serve all fifteen elementary schools in Great Falls and the Vaughn school. In 2025, the food bank plans to extend the program to include both middle schools in Great Falls, addressing food insecurity among older students. This move aims to bridge the gap for children who previously lost access to the program upon entering seventh grade. The initiative will involve delivering over 1,200 food packs weekly to participating schools, including Centerville School. With an annual cost of $125,000 before the expansion, the program’s budget is expected to rise by 30%, necessitating increased community support.

Since its inception, the Backpacks4Kids program has been instrumental in combating food insecurity in Great Falls. Sandra Ferno, the food bank's office manager, highlighted that many children in the area face challenges accessing sufficient food. The program fills this critical gap by providing essential nutrition over weekends when school meals are unavailable. Brian Miller, principal at North Middle School, emphasized the growing economic pressures affecting families in the region. He expressed concern about the well-being of students without such assistance, underscoring the importance of the program's extension to middle schools. This expansion ensures continuity of support as students transition from elementary to middle school.

Benefis Health System has also stepped up to support the initiative. They have donated $25,000 to the food bank, with $8,000 earmarked specifically for the Backpacks4Kids program. This contribution celebrates National Doctor’s Day and reflects the medical community's commitment to addressing local needs. Volunteers from Benefis participated in packing food bags, acknowledging the rising demand due to increasing food prices. Eldon LaTray, a physician assistant with Benefis, praised the program's impact and stressed the necessity of community involvement. The food bank aims to secure enough funding to sustain the expanded program for at least three years, potentially launching it as early as fall 2025.

The Great Falls Community Food Bank envisions a future where every child has reliable access to nutritious food. By expanding the Backpacks4Kids program to middle schools, they aim to alleviate the burden on families struggling with food insecurity. This initiative not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also fosters better academic performance and overall well-being among students. Community support remains vital to ensuring the program's success and sustainability, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable environment for all children in Great Falls.