about us

Backpack Assistance Program provides nutritious food to students who face food insecurity during the weekend and school closure days. The Backpack Assistance Program, LLC (BAP) is a non-profit organization that focuses on raising the awareness of food insecurity in Whitefish, Montana. Originally called the Backpack Program, we began work in 2012 in collaboration with the Whitefish Community Foundation, Members of The Wave, and Montana Food Bank Network. We started as a pool of volunteers purchasing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables each week to be placed in student’s backpacks along with food provided by the Wave and distributed through the Montana Food Bank Network. Gaining non-profit status in 2014, we became The Backpack Assistance Program, LLC. With the continued dedication of our volunteers, we now purchase, package, and distribute backpack bags to students in need every week. At the Backpack Assistance Program, our vision is to improve the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of our school age community members that are subject to food insecurity. Working hand in hand with the Whitefish School District, we are providing nutrition to power the intellectual potential of every student. Being self-sufficient is a mindset that can be learned, lasts a lifetime, and can be passed down to the next generation. There is a bright and sustainable future when we break the cycle of poverty and food insecurity in our community. We believe that change starts locally and everyone can help. Starting in Whitefish, Montana, we hope our mission spreads into more comm