OUR HISTORY
In early 2009, a small group of Brookings residents, many of whom were members of the Brookings United Church of Christ, started to explore the feasibility of a local ‘backpack’ program.
As the vision moved toward reality, the group met with officials from both the Brookings Public Schools and Brookings Head Start, who enthusiastically agreed to be partners in the project. In 2011 the summer program was added.
The organization continued to prosper under the umbrella of the United Church of Christ and as it grew, it transitioned into an independent Non-profit in August of 2016. Although there have been numerous changes throughout the years, the common goal has always been to provide healthy snacks and easy to fix meals for children, so no child goes to bed hungry!
In 2018 Sioux Valley Schools was added to the list of children served, and 2019 added the Elkton School district to those receiving assistance.
After many moves to different spots, we currently are in our “forever” home. We are fortunate to be included in the planning of the new United Way Center at 908 Hope Drive and invite all to stop by and visit and learn more about what and why we do what we do.
MEET THE TEAM
Cathy Ching
Executive Director
RaeAnn Thompson
Food & Volunteer
Project Coordinator
MEET THE Board
Sandy Vanderlugt
Chairman of Board
Megan Madsen
Board Secretary
Darlene Dokken
Board Member
Seth Sayler
Vice Chair of Board
Chad Adamson
School Liason
Ali Teesdale
Board Member
Jessica McGeHee
Board Treasurer
Linda Kampmann
Board Member
Kim Gustafson
Board Member