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Power Packs Program
The Power Packs program provides weekend food bags for children who need them. It is only available for students in the Issaquah School District. We currently serve all schools in the Issaquah School District!
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Power Packs program:
Q: What is the Power Packs program?
A: The Power Packs program provides weekend food bags for children who need them. Some children rely on the school lunch program for their main meal of the day and do not have enough food at home to eat over the weekend. Each pack includes breakfast, lunch, and snack foods that are easy to prepare. The Power Packs program is a partnership between the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank and the Issaquah School District. The Issaquah Food Bank purchases and assembles all the bags, and staff at each school distributes the packs.
Q: Who qualifies for this program?
A: The Power Packs program is open to any child in the school district who needs extra food support. Families do not need to participate in the Free & Reduced Lunch program or be clients at the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. No registration or documents are needed to participate.
Q: What type of food is included?
A: We include a variety of shelf-stable breakfast, lunch, and snack items. We offer a separate allergy-friendly bag that is nut-free and gluten-free. Depending on the school, fresh fruit is included every other week.
Q: How does the child get the food?
A: It is a little different at each school. In general, at elementary schools, staff discreetly place a Power Pack in the child’s backpack on Fridays. At middle and high schools, students self-select and can pick up a Power Pack on Fridays.
Q: How do I register?
A: Talk to your teacher, school counselor, or nurse to participate. The Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank does not register any students for the Power Packs program or know who participates.
Q: Do I need to be an Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank client to participate?
A: No. You do not need to be a client at the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank.
Q: I’m worried about my child’s privacy. Does the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank get my child’s name?
A: No. The schools DO NOT share the names of participating students with the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank. Each school keeps a list of students who participate, and they do not share this with the Issaquah Food Bank. Schools only share the number of students participating each month so that the Food Bank can provide enough Power Packs. Privacy is very important to the Food Bank.
Q: Can I pick up a Power Pack at the Issaquah Food Bank?
A: No. We do not have Power Packs at the Issaquah Food Bank building. A volunteer from each school picks up the Power Packs at the Food Bank and delivers them to the school buildings.
Q: Do I need to pay a fee for my child to participate in the Power Packs program?
A: No! All the students receive Power Packs free of charge.
Q: How can I help the Power Packs program?
A: The Power Packs program is only possible through volunteers and donors in the community! Here are ways you can help support the program:
1. Volunteer to be a driver. Each month, volunteers pick up the Power Packs and deliver them to the schools. Talk to your school’s PTSA about volunteering for this position.
2. Host a food drive for the Power Packs program. If you would like to host a food drive, contact tricia@issaquahfoodbank.org. We will share a list of the most common items we pack.
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