
In an effort to feed children in need outside of Manna’s normal operating hours, a weekly take-home backpack program for Durango School District 9-R students and the Southern Ute Boys and Girls Club was established in 2010. Volunteers assemble food bags (“backpacks”) that consist of seven meals for the weekend. Each backpacks consists of two breakfasts, two lunches, and three dinners for each recipient, in addition to two snacks and one vegetable. Any food insecure child can qualify for the program, many of whom are identified through their school’s free and reduced lunch program.
If you have questions regarding this program, please email our Backpack Coordinator, Oona King, at oona.king@mannasoupkitchen.com.

Items Provided in Weekend Backpacks:
Seven meals for the weekend: two breakfasts, two lunches, three dinners, two snacks and one vegetable.
- Canned soup
- Canned tuna/turkey
- Mac & cheese
- Dehydrated fruits
- Fruit cups
- Canned vegetables
- Granola bars/snack bars
- Ramen
- Canned chili
- Canned fruits
- Individual oatmeal packets/grits
- Boxed dinner
- Nuts
- Snack bags