For the Antigo Times

WEB volunteers continue to pack backpacks for children filled with food for the weekend.  This week, 12 volunteers packed 238 backpacks, for 181 families, 350 children. Applications for families are available at every school from teachers, guidance counselors and school secretaries.

Community members are welcome to come watch the packing process and donate food items from a select list.

The WeekEnd Backpack (WEB) Program offers ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare items for children.  In 2013 and again in 2016, a Community Health Needs Assessment was published listing four categories of opportunity to improve the health of Langlade County. Wellness & Prevention and Nutritional & Physical Activity were identified as a top priority for the June 2016-2019 assessment. The Langlade County Community Health Needs Assessment was a collaborative effort led by Aspirus Langlade Hospital involving community partners including health organizations, social service agencies, schools and other educational organizations, law enforcement as well as county and local government and other local partners. The WEB program began because of this assessment and the community identifying hunger in students as an opportunity.

Each backpack, for the entire school year, costs approximately $160.00.

Donations will be accepted through the Antigo Community Food Pantry- WEB

You can mail your check directly to the address below.

Antigo Community Food Pantry- WEB

2120 Progress Blvd, PO Box 194

Antigo, WI 54409

Volunteers are still needed for packing nights, and food deliveries.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact [email protected].