Once upon a time — 2011 to be exact — a few Powell residents identified a problem. There were elementary school children in Powell struggling with food insecurities.

They gathered support from the community to buy food and started the Backpack Blessings program.

It is amazing to think that a child in kindergarten that year has probably graduated from high school by now. The program structure changed in 2018, and it became a 501(c)3 nonprofit that is still run by dedicated volunteers.

Backpack Blessings of Powell is solely funded by donations, grants and financial gifts. With a working budget of about $45,000, up to 120 elementary school children from four schools (Parkside, Westside, Southside and Clark) are provided with nutritious foods each school year
weekend.

December is the major fundraising time for Backpack Blessings and is again reaching out to the community for generous donations so the program can continue. Many donors will remember the actual pie sale held for many years. Then Covid hit, and the pie sale was placed on hold.

A re-imagining of the “pie sale” followed.

Program board member Marybeth Richardson said, “We are continuing with the “pie” theme, as that is where the fundraising began, but now it has become a virtual pie sale.

“If you made a pie, then donate the cost of making that pie. If you bought a slice of pie, donate that dollar amount. A $35 donation helps to feed one child for one month.”

Backpack Blessings has a board of eight volunteers with each person filling a need to keep the program running smoothly. Board members are the food buyers. Guidelines have been established about the types of food provided for six meals, plus snacks and drink, in the weekend backpacks.

Sharon Earhart, board president, said, “So, the virtual pie shop is open, and donations may be sent to Backpack Blessings of Powell, PO Box 1, Powell, WY 82435.”

The board recognizes that food shortages are a problem in many households in the local area.

“Powell is such a giving community,” Earhart added, “and this board extends a grateful thank you to all the donors and for the volunteers, including the Powell High School Honor Society, for keeping this Backpack program able to supply food to the Powell elementary school kids.”