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Backpack Program 2025 Impact Report

Posted Date: 6/23/25 (12:13 PM)
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It's wonderful to look back at the year-end numbers. We can see the real impact of the Backpack Program at Rensselaer City School District. Thanks to the teamwork and hard work of our staff and students, thousands of meals were given to students who needed them.


Special thanks to the Universal Skills students, Mrs. Britton-Smith, Mrs. Shanahan, and Mrs. Hilstro for packing and giving out bags each week, Mrs. McNamara for getting the food from the Regional Food Bank, and our Maintenance Staff for making sure deliveries went well. 

And this would not be possible without our generous donors:
  • Rensselaer Alumni Association
  • Fraternal Order of Eagles Bell Jar and Ladies Auxiliary
  • Empire Generating Company
This work is very important. Thank you to everyone who helped!

2025 Program Highlights (BP Rensselaer 1877B):
  • Total bags given out: 1,300
  • Average number of students each week: 42 students
  • Most students in one week: 45 students
  • Average weight of each bag: 9 lbs
  • Total weight of food given out: 11,868 lbs
    • Free food: 2,397 lbs
    • Food that was bought: 9,471 lbs
  • Number of meals given out: 9,890
  • Meals per child for the year: 236
  • Average cost per meal: $1.13
We are very proud of the kindness and dedication shown in our district. This is what a community looks like!
RCSD Back Pack Program 2024-25: A group of students pose with bags of food.The Empire Generating Co LLC logoFraternal Order of Eagles Bell Jar and Ladies AuxiliaryThe Alumni Association of the Rensselaer NY School District logo.