Rotary launches new backpack food distribution program for Baldwin Community Schools students 

Program aimed at addressing food insecurity, features bags with about 10 pounds of food that will be regularly distributed 

BALDWIN, Mich. — Baldwin Community Schools students will receive their first backpack full of groceries this week through a new program in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Baldwin and Feeding America. 

On Wednesday, Baldwin Elementary School staff will help pass out backpacks of food to every student in kindergarten through fifth grade — about 250 students. 

The Rotary Club launched the program to help address food insecurity in the community. Members conducted fundraisers and secured grant money from the Lake County Community Foundation, federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and from Walmart. They partnered with nonprofit Feeding America, which helps run a network of BackPack Programs throughout the country. 

“We would like to extend our deep appreciation to the Rotary Club of Baldwin and all those who donated their time and money to help ensure our students are well fed both in school and at home,” said Superintendent David Forrester. “Our schools are so fortunate to have such wonderful community partners and we look forward to working together to distribute the backpacks to our students.” 

The Rotary Club plans to distribute backpacks at least once a month, eventually building up to twice a month. The bags each contain about 10 pounds of food, including items like raisins, apple sauce, lasagna, cereal and other ingredients for healthy meals at home. 

“We’ve worked hard over the last few years to make this program a reality and we’re eager to make a positive impact on the kids,” said Rotary Club member Mark Cole. “Having access to healthy, well-balanced meals is so important to our children’s success and we’re happy we can help make it easier on our families, especially with the rising cost of groceries and other essentials.”