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Backpack Program

A brown paper bag overflowing with groceries, promoting a food assistance initiative.

CCS Backpack Program

Backpack Program Application

History

The CCS Backpack Program was established in the Fall of 2011 by the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) through a grant from the Pratt Northam Foundation.

Since then, the program has continued through the generous support of our local community, including local businesses, community residents, CCS staff, students, and families.

Over the years, the program has been managed by several groups within the district. Currently, backpacks are packed and distributed by the CCS Student Council.

Why & How It Works

We understand that many families experience financial stress throughout the year. The Backpack Program helps provide students with nutritious food for weekends and school vacations, helping families stretch their food budgets further.

Every Friday, participating students receive a durable paper bag filled with nutritious, non-perishable food items to take home. These bags do not need to be returned.

Enrollment & Eligibility

During the 2020–2021 school year, the Backpack Program served:

  • 13 Families

  • 26 Students

Enrollment is open throughout the entire school year, and all families qualify.

To participate, families are asked to complete a Free/Reduced Lunch Application. However, students do not need to qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch in order to receive a backpack.

The CCS Backpack Program is completely confidential.

Questions?

Please contact:

Mrs. Bartlett
K–12 Social Worker

📞 (315) 688-4411

Or send a message through ParentSquare.

Local Food Resources

Please note that the Backpack Program does not operate during the summer months. Families in need of food assistance during the summer or throughout the year may contact the following local food pantries.

Jefferson County

Watertown Urban Mission

The Watertown Urban Mission Food Pantry serves Jefferson County residents:

  • Monday–Friday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

  • Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM

📞 315-782-8440

Carthage Food Pantry

📍 495 S. Washington Street, Carthage, NY

Hours:

  • Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Friday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📞 315-493-1341

Lewis County

Lowville Food Pantry

📍 7646 Forrest Avenue, Lowville, NY

Please call to schedule a pickup appointment.

📞 315-376-7431

Copenhagen – St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church in Copenhagen is open on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM for food assistance.

Pantry hours are subject to change.

Donations

The CCS Backpack Program is always accepting donations.

We gladly accept:

  • Cash donations

  • Checks payable to CCS Backpack Program

  • Non-perishable food donations

Donations may be dropped off with Mrs. Eisel in the Attendance Office.

At this time, food collection bins are not available at building entrances. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Most Needed Food Items

Breakfast Items

  • Instant Oatmeal Packets

  • Cereal

  • Pancake Mix

Snacks

  • Granola Bars

  • Pop-Tarts

  • Graham Crackers

  • Peanut Butter Crackers

  • Popcorn

  • Fruit Snacks

  • Pudding Cups

  • Fruit Cups

Pantry Staples

  • Peanut Butter (plastic jars)

  • Jelly (plastic jars)

  • Nutella

  • Rice

  • Pasta

  • Macaroni & Cheese

  • Mashed Potatoes

Canned & Shelf-Stable Foods

  • Canned Fruit

  • Canned Vegetables

  • Tuna Fish

  • Canned Chicken

  • Canned Soup (Tomato, Chicken Noodle, Chili)

  • Canned Entrées (SpaghettiOs, Ravioli, etc.)

  • Canned Spaghetti Sauce

Easy Meal Options

  • Ramen Noodles

  • Rice-A-Roni

  • Pasta Sides

  • Other Bagged Entrées