Submitted Photo A contribution to the Backpack Buddies program is presented to Souris Valley United Way by Minot Area Community Foundation. From left are Jason Zimmerman with MACF, Christy Miller with SVUW and Staci Kenney and Erika Kelly, both MACF.

Longfellow Elementary School will benefit from an expansion of Souris Valley United Way’s Backpack Buddies program, made possible by a $10,000 contribution from a Minot Area Community Foundation private donor fund.

Backpack Buddies ensures children who may not have access to nutritious meals over the weekend are provided with food to take home. Currently, the program serves 10 elementary schools and supports 490 students on a weekly basis. By including Longfellow Elementary, the program will further contribute to the well-being and academic success of students across Minot.

“Souris Valley United Way is dedicated to meeting the needs of local students facing food insecurity. As the need grows, we are grateful for the Minot Area Community Foundation’s support,” Christy Miller, executive director of SVUW, said in a news release. “This generous gift allows us to expand Backpack Buddies and bring hope to local students and families facing food insecurity.”

“We are thrilled to support Souris Valley United Way in expanding this vital program,” said Jason Zimmerman, president of MACF, in the release. “With the continued support of our community, we can ensure that children in need have the resources they require to succeed both in and out of the classroom.”