Northern Blair Backpack Programs

Welcome to the Northern Blair Backpack Program which provides food and nourishment to kids in need in the Bellwood Antis and Tyrone School Districts. The program is fueled 100% by support of our community through volunteers and charity. Read on and find out more about the program and how you can get involved and support or sign up!

NBBP Mask Fundraiser

Please consider supporting the Northern Blair Backpack Programs by buying a facemask!

We will mail the masks to you to the address you provide. Depending on size of child, you may want to consider an adult mask.

Your support of this fundraiser will help feed children in need for the 2020/2021 school year.

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COVID-19 Alternate Support Program

The Northern Blair Backpack Programs want to help our Tyrone and Bellwood Area School District families in need during this time of crisis. We will be exploring the best options for food distribution for the students enrolled for the 2020/2021 school year. If there is need in the meantime, please contact us.

Welcome to the Northern Blair Backpack Programs. We are part of a nationwide initiative, designed to meet the needs of hungry children at times when other resources are not available, such as the weekends and holidays. The concept was developed in Arkansas when a school nurse noticed that students were coming to her with stomachaches and dizziness on Monday mornings due to hunger.

The Northern Blair Backpack Programs supplies a bag of food to each identified child at the end of each school week. The bag may contain breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks for Saturday and Sunday or through an extended holiday weekend. This may include food like granola bars, instant oatmeal, fruit cups, juice boxes, pasta meals, and peanut butter. Most food is purchased from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in Harrisburg.

Get involved through making donations or volunteering time to help feed our children in need and nourish our community.

A Bit More About Our Program …

The Northern Blair Backpack Programs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization running the Blue Devil Backpack Program for the Bellwood Area School District, and the Golden Eagle Backpack Program for the Tyrone Area School District. We have formed this nonprofit to run these two programs which have both been in existence since 2014/2015 school year.

The Backpack Program is a nationwide program, part of the Feeding America Network since 1995. It was designed to meet the needs of hungry children at times when other resources are not available, such as the weekends and holidays. The concept was developed in Arkansas when a school nurse noticed that students were coming to her with stomachaches and dizziness on Monday mornings due to hunger.

The Northern Blair Backpack Programs supplies a bag of food to each identified child at the end of each school week. The bag may contain breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks for Saturday and Sunday or through an extended holiday weekend. This may include food like granola bars, instant oatmeal, fruit cups, juice boxes, pasta meals, and peanut butter. Most food is purchased and shipped from the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in Harrisburg.

Participation in the Northern Blair Backpack Program is voluntary and is NOT limited to children that qualify for free or reduced lunches. A child may be identified by a parent, teacher, nurse, bus driver, or anyone with a concern about a child’s nutritional needs. Parents or guardians are informed of the Backpack Program and have the opportunity to register for the program if the need exists. The participant’s names are kept confidential. The success of this program in other areas has shown positive changes in attendance, behaviors, and grades.

The Northern Blair Backpack Programs is supported through donations from individuals and businesses, and volunteered time to order food, receive shipments, and pack the bags. The average cost is around $3 a week or $100 a year per child. If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help, please email us at NBbackpacks4kids@gmail.com.

Please consider making a financial donation today. All donations can be sent to: The Northern Blair Backpack Programs, PO Box 255, Tipton, PA 16684. Or, you can donate via PayPal below.

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Two Programs In One

The Northern Blair Backpack Programs is a merging of two programs, the Golden Eagle Backpack program and the Blue Devil Backpack Program. The new 501(c)3 services the Bellwood Antis and Tyrone School Districts.

Our Brochures

Blue Devil Backpacks Brochure

Golden Eagle Backpacks Brochure

Opt In Form.

Use the form below to opt in to receive program support for your child. Alternatively, you can print the opt-in for for your program and fill it out manually.

Please sign my child up for the backpack program. I understand my child will soon start receiving a bag of food at the end of each week for his/her use over the weekend or school holiday.

Opt In School

Child's Name (required)

Teacher (required)

Grade (required)

Special Dietary Restrictions?

Parent or Guardian Name (required)

Email (required)

Telephone (required)

We will attempt to accommodate these needs to the best of our ability but it is your responsibility to check the backpack’s contents before allowing your child to consume the food. By checking the boxes below, I agree that I have read and understand the following:

I understand that some food items my child receives may contain possible allergen ingredients and I am aware of these risks and assume full responsibility for insuring my child’s food is checked by a parent/guardian before consumption. I will not hold the Northern Blair Backpack Programs liable for any adverse reaction to the food my child consumes.

I agree I will report any adverse reaction to the Program as soon as possible.

By signing this form, I agree to allow my child to participate in the Northern Blair Backpack Programs, a feeding program in partnership with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and Bellwood and Tyrone Schools. I agree to assume any and all risks associated with my child’s participation in the Northern Blair Backpack Programs, including any adverse reaction my child may have from consuming the food provided.

Golden Eagle - Opt In Form

Blue Devil Middle and High - Opt In Form

Blue Devil Elementary - Opt In Form

Every Contribution Matters

Every donation helps in supporting a child through this program. We need your help and you CAN make a difference today. Click below to donate now.

Or, you can mail donations directly to PO Box 255, Tipton, PA 16684

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Get in Touch. Get Involved.

If you have any questions on the program or if you want to volunteer or donate in some way, please feel free to contact us using the form below. Thanks!

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PO Box 255, Tipton, PA 16684

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