The PAW Packs program is a nonprofit community outreach whose mission is to provide meals to children in the Big Spring School District who otherwise might not have enough to eat on weekends, during holiday vacations, and throughout the summer months. The program began in January 2016 at Newville Elementary School where over 40% of the children received free and/or reduced price lunches. At the start of the 2016-17 school year, it expanded to all the elementary schools, and later into the middle school. Children ages two through high school age receive meals when a family signs up. In addition to the backpack program, we offer a year round drive thru program where parents can pick up their children’s food at our distribution site.
Having the children participate in the program is a voluntary choice made by the parents. Registration takes place at the start of each school year in cooperation with the Big Spring School District. Parents have the option of signing their children up to carry home their food or the parents may choose to pick it up at our distribution center. Parents who pick up must sign up for food each week on the PAW Packs website. They are responsible for picking up the food at the designated place and time.
Food offerings for the backpacks include juice, cereal, soups, pasta, canned vegetables and fruits, single serve meat packets, and healthy snacks.
The pick up program allows us to include milk, eggs, cheese, frozen meats, and fresh fruits and vegetables (when available).