Find Help. Give Help. North Hills shares food assistance programs for families in need

With Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits now paused, many families across our area are facing new challenges in meeting basic food needs. The North Hills School District is reminding families that help is available through the Backpack Initiative and Pantry programs, and inviting the community to join in supporting these vital resources. 

Families in need of food assistance should also visit this list of local pantries and resources available across the Pittsburgh area. Our Food Service Department is also sending an email directly to impacted families on Thursday announcing an additional resource to begin next week.

The North Hills Backpack Initiative began more than 13 years ago to help district families facing food insecurity by providing supplemental food over weekends. Today, the program has expanded to serve all North Hills students through both the Backpack Initiative and school-based Pantries.

Elementary students can discreetly receive a weekly bag of food delivered to their school locker, with participating families known only to school counselors and administrators. Middle and high school students may visit their counselor to access food, hygiene products, and personal care items from their school’s Pantry. No sign-up is required.

These programs rely heavily on community support. The North Hills Foundation accepts both monetary and item donations year-round to sustain and expand the Backpack Initiative and Pantry, especially now, as the need grows in the wake of the SNAP funding pause.

Item Donations

Donation boxes are located in all six North Hills schools and at the Administration Center. A list of suggested donation items can be found at www.nhsd.net/backpack.

Monetary Donations

Financial contributions can be made online (select Backpack Initiative/The Pantry) or by mailing a check payable to the North Hills Foundation at:

North Hills School District
℅ North Hills Foundation
135 Sixth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15229

Please include "Backpack Initiative/The Pantry" in the memo line.

For questions about the program, contact Daria White at whited@nhsd.net or Katie Knox at katie@northhillschristian.church.

Some of our school student council groups are also holding food drives.

Highcliff Elementary's Student Council food drive continues through Friday, Nov. 7 but will accept donations for the Backpack Initiative all month long. They are also encouraging donations at the drama club’s production of “Cinderella… If the Shoes Fits” on Nov. 20 in lieu of purchasing tickets.

The middle school is hosting its annual Operation Turkey food drive through Friday, Nov. 14. West View Elementary will host a food drive beginning Dec. 2.

Your generosity makes an immediate impact. Together, we can ensure every North Hills student has access to the food, care, and support they need — because every donation truly makes a difference.