Backpack Initiative

Backpack Initiative

North Hills Backpack Initiative & The Pantry
Donated food items

The North Hills Backpack Initiative was started in 2012 to supplement weekend food supplies for district families in need. Today, the program offers food assistance to North Hills School District students of all ages.

Elementary school students enrolled in the program have a variety of meal, breakfast and snack items discreetly delivered to their school locker once a week as a supplemental resource for the weekend. Participating families are known by school counselors and the administration only. Enroll here.

Middle and high school students can pick up needed food, hygiene or personal care items in their respective school’s Pantry, accessible via each school's counselors. No sign up is required. Feminine hygiene products are also available free of charge in the girls' bathrooms.

The North Hills Backpack Initiative operates under the direction of the North Hills Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and is made possible by community donations in partnership with North Hills Christian Church.

How You Can Help

Donations can be dropped off at any district building during normal school hours.

Suggested donations to the Backpack Initiative include single-serving and individually packaged:

  • Snacks and crackers
  • Pudding cups
  • Fruit cups
  • Cereal and oatmeal
  • Granola and cereal bars
  • Soups/pastas (NO CANS PLEASE!)
  • Pasta meals
  • Macaroni & cheese

Suggested donations to the Pantry include:

  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Acne and face care products
  • Soap and body wash
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Dental floss
  • Feminine hygiene items
  • Chapstick and lip balm
  • Lotion
  • Laundry detergent

Monetary Donations

Monetary donations for the Backpack Initiative or the Pantry can be sent to the North Hills School District Administration Center:
North Hills School District
Attn: Backpack Initiative or The Pantry
135 6th Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15229

Please make checks payable to North Hills Foundation and include "Backpack Initiative” or “The Pantry” in the memo line.

If you have questions about the Backpack Initiative or the Pantry, contact Daria White at [email protected] or Katie Knox at [email protected].

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