In the 11 weeks since school has started, 82 backpacks with food have been provided to children in the community.

An average of seven packs per week are filled with food and given to school counselors.

Community Bak-Pak Program volunteers fill bags with miscellaneous snacks that are delivered to the local school counselors to use for any kid who could benefit from them.

“It does take a village to raise a child and an entire community to help alleviate food insecurity,” according to volunteer J.J. Huntley.

“So many individuals and businesses have been a part of making this happen,” she said.

Financial donations came from the Pinedale High School graduating Class of 2018, the Pinedale Lions Club, Jonah Energy and one local private donor. The local Bronx Community Club also made a significant donation.

Local businesses that have donated food items are Old Stone’s and Obos. Ridley’s is supplying the program with a significant food purchasing discount. In-kind support has come from Snoasis, the Food Basket, Rendezvous Pointe, Moose Creek Catering and the Sublette County School District No. 1 cafeteria staff. The Red Cross Fire Recovery Center donated the “after fire” remaining snack items to the program.

“This is truly a community effort toward alleviating food insecurity for kids on weekends,” Huntley said.

Backpacks are delivered to the schools each week¨ in time for Friday student dismissal.

Donation cans are dispersed around town for your convenience during this holiday giving season. The donation can label was designed “free of charge” by local artist Caleb Campbell. To host a donation can at a business, call 307-231-9069. Donation checks can be sent to Community Bak-Pak Program, P.O. Box 1127, Pinedale, Wyo., 82941