This first event was invitation-only, bringing together community leaders, including Minot Mayor Mark Jantzer and Minot City Council members Lisa Olson and Mike Hayes and other supporters to help pack weekend meals for local students. Their efforts contributed to 545 bags that will go home with elementary students this week, helping to fill the gap for families experiencing food insecurity.

SVUW stated it plans to host future packing opportunities for broader community participation.

SVUW’s Backpack Buddies program provides weekend meals and snacks to children in Minot who don’t have enough food at home. Currently, 545 elementary students across all Minot elementary schools receive food through Backpack Buddies each week, SVUW reported. The program also stocks food pantries at two Minot middle schools, ensuring older students have access to essential nutrition outside of school hours.

Tuesday’s event was open-house style, allowing guests to tour the packing area, learn more about the program’s impact and lend a hand preparing meal bags for distribution.

Submitted Photo Minot Mayor Mark Jantzer, left, and Minot City Council members Lisa Olson and Mike Hayes stand next to tubs of items to be packed into bags for the Backpack Buddies program on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Souris Valley United Way held its Community Backpack Buddies Packing Night Tuesday.

Community members are welcome to get involved by hosting a food drive, donating items or sponsoring a child for the school year. SVUW estimates it costs $265 to feed one student for the school year. The Backpack Buddies program operated at a cost of $149,280 during the 2024-25 school year.