School Partner Portal
Food for Kids: School Resources
Everything your school needs to participate in the Food for Kids: School Backpack Program — guidelines, procedures, and the partner sign-up form.
Built on Strong Partnerships
The Food for Kids: School Backpack Program is built on strong partnerships with schools to ensure children facing food insecurity have reliable access to nutritious meals outside of school hours. Our success depends on clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to the well-being of students.
This page outlines the responsibilities, procedures, and expectations for participating schools. These standards help us:
- Identify and support students who truly need the program
- Ensure food is stored, handled, and distributed safely
- Maintain accurate records for program evaluation and funding purposes
- Foster a collaborative, respectful working relationship
Program Guidelines
School Responsibilities & Program Procedures
Designate a Site Coordinator
Each school must appoint one Site Coordinator who is responsible for all aspects of the program, including referrals, recordkeeping, food distribution, and communication with Community Storehouse.
Complete Thorough, Accurate Referrals
All referrals must include detailed, specific narratives outlining why the child is being referred, along with baseline measurements (academic performance, attendance, behavior, etc.) for end-of-year impact review. Vague or incomplete referrals will not be accepted.
Maintain Confidentiality
All program records and the identities of participating students must remain confidential in accordance with FERPA and other applicable privacy standards. Food distribution must be discreet to avoid stigma.
Plan for Food Delivery & Storage
Schools must determine their preferred delivery day and ensure adequate, safe, and secure storage for food until distribution. If earlier deliveries are requested, proper storage space must be available.
Ensure Timely Distribution
Backpacks should be distributed before students leave for the weekend or holiday break. Distribution should be organized to ensure every approved child receives their food without delay.
Monitor Student Need
Site Coordinators should regularly monitor students in the program to ensure ongoing need.
Use Program Food as Intended
Food provided through the backpack program is for the personal use of approved students and their households only. It must not be used for classroom snacks, staff use, or other school purposes.
Foster a Respectful Partnership
Participation in the Food for Kids program is built on mutual respect and collaboration. Schools are expected to maintain a professional working relationship with Community Storehouse staff and to address any concerns directly with us. Allowing or engaging in the spread of misinformation or disparaging remarks about the program undermines our ability to serve children and may result in the school's removal from the program.
Assist in Promoting the Program
Schools are required to help offset program costs and build community support through their PTO/PTA or other school networks. This can include distributing handouts available in the main office, displaying applicable posters, hosting annual food drives, sharing program information on school social media channels, and highlighting the partnership during fundraising activities.
Partner with Us
Interested in bringing the Food for Kids program to your school? Complete the form below to get started.
Having trouble with the form? Open the sign-up form in a new tab