Woodhouse Partners with Food Bank for the Heartland to Fight Childhood Hunger Through the Backpack Program

Woodhouse Partners with Food Bank for the Heartland to Fight Childhood Hunger

Woodhouse Auto Family is proud to support the Food Bank for the Heartland Backpack Program, a community initiative that helps provide nutritious weekend meals to children experiencing food insecurity in Nebraska and western Iowa. For more than 14 years, Woodhouse has contributed millions of dollars and helped empower families by supporting the distribution of thousands of backpacks filled with easy-to-prepare food. Through this partnership, Woodhouse strengthens its commitment to community health and wellbeing, helping ensure that kids have the nourishment they need to thrive in school and life.

What Is the Backpack Program?

The Backpack Program is a key initiative of Food Bank for the Heartland, a nonprofit working to eliminate hunger in the Heartland through community partnerships and food access efforts.

Each week during the school year, the Backpack Program distributes packs of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare nutritious foods to children who have been identified as food insecure. These packs are sent home with students to ensure they have meals and snacks over the weekend when school meals are unavailable.

Woodhouse’s Long-Standing Partnership

Woodhouse Auto Family has been a proud supporter of the Backpack Program for over 14 years, contributing more than $11 million to directly support children’s physical and mental health throughout Nebraska and western Iowa.

This long-standing partnership means that each week, thousands of backpacks filled with food reach students in communities across the region — helping them stay nourished and focused on learning.

How the Program Makes a Difference

The Backpack Program works in partnership with local schools to reach children most in need. Each pack contains meals and snacks designed to provide nourishment when school meals are not available — typically over weekends.

In addition to supporting childhood nutrition, these weekend meals help reduce stress on families who struggle with food insecurity, allowing children to return to school on Monday ready to learn and participate fully in school activities.

Woodhouse’s Role in the Community

Woodhouse’s involvement goes beyond donations. By investing in partnerships like this, Woodhouse:

• Raises awareness about food insecurity and its effects in local communities.

• Encourages other businesses and individuals to get involved.

• Reinforces its mission to give back and serve the communities across Nebraska and western Iowa.

Supporting a program like the Backpack initiative aligns with Woodhouse’s broader commitment to community wellbeing — not just selling vehicles but helping families thrive.

How You Can Help

Community members who want to support the Backpack Program can:

• Donate directly to the Food Bank for the Heartland.

• Sponsor backpacks — for example, sponsoring a child for the entire school year.

• Volunteer with Food Bank for the Heartland or host local food drives.

• Spread awareness on social media or through local organizations.

Every dollar donated goes a long way, with most of the funds staying in the community to support healthy meals for children, families, seniors, and veterans.

Woodhouse — Committed to Ending Hunger in the Heartland

Woodhouse Auto Family is honored to continue its partnership with Food Bank for the Heartland to support the Backpack Program and help ensure that children across the region have the nourishment they need to grow, learn, and succeed. By working together with partners, volunteers, and donors, Woodhouse supports vital community efforts that make a real difference for families who need it most.