Riverbend’s backpack program is out, school pantry model is in

DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - River Bend Food Bank is switching from its backpack program to a school pantry model.

Organizer said the school-pantry model allows the entire family to participate, compared to the backpack program that only serves the child.

“We are taking a strategic approach on how to best utilize our dollars to feed families and feed them nutritious and sustainable food,” River Bend’s Nikki Habben said.

They spent about $2.76 per meal with the backpacks program, she said, but the pantry model drastically reduces that to 45 cents per meal.

The 20 local schools participating already have pantries, making it easier for River Bend to phase out the backpacks programs.