Luke's Backpack

Over 42% of students in Shenandoah County qualify for free or reduced lunch. Luke's Backpack makes sure they have food for the weekend. Since 2011, Shenandoah Valley Lutheran Ministries has partnered with school administrators to identify students at risk of going hungry over the weekend. We began by helping just fifteen children, and in 2016 our ministry grew to serve 235 children.
PRESENTLY we are serving about 225 children.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner items are included in each bag, which are distributed every Friday to students so that they, and their families, will have enough to eat on the weekend.

Where do we pack?

We pack the bags at three sites, each with its own schedule. If you'd like to help pack the bags, please email us at ShenValleyLM@gmail.com

St. Paul Lutheran Church
193 Washington Street
Strasburg, VA 22657

Site Coordinators:  
Kelly Wixon
Linda Williams


Mt. Zion Lutheran Church
3055 Fairview Road 
Woodstock, VA 22664

Site Coordinators:
Ann Grisdale
Susan Fleming


Zion Lutheran Church
321 Headquarters Rd
Edinburg, VA  22824
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Site Coordinators:
Lesa Moomaw
Anne Ward

What's in the Backpack?

Curious about what's in the backpack? Want to help by donating items? Here are some examples of what students receive.

Breadfast Items

• 100% Apple Juice/ Orange Juice
• Oatmeal/Cereal/ Pop tarts

Main Meals

• Canned Chili
• Canned Spaghetti/Ravioli/Beefaroni
• Tuna Salad/Chicken Salad Kits
• Vienna Sausages
• Prepackaged Microwavable Meals (non perishable)
• Macaroni and Cheese-single serving size
• Chicken noodle/Vegetable/Kid Friendly Soups
• Ramen Noodles
• Peanut Butter (18oz or smaller)

Sides

• Apple Sauce
• Fruit Cups 
• Canned Vegetables (small can)
• Raisins
• Pudding cups

Snacks

• Peanut Butter/Cheese Crackers
• Pretzels/Goldfish/Cheezit/etc
• Teddy Grahams / Animal Crackers/Cookies/Rice Krispie Treats/etc
• Microwave Popcorn
• Granola Bars
• Fruit Roll-ups/Fruit snacks

 
If donating items, please remember that we need them in individual packaging.