Farm to Pint event April 12 supports local backpack program

By Mavis Fodness
The longer-than-usual summer break has two organizations working together to continue a needed nutrition program.
The BackPack Program and Farmers Market teamed up for a 14-week summer backpack program.
The group needs $6,000 to get the program off the ground for children ages 4 through 12.
A Friday fundraiser at the Take 16 Brewery will assist with the group’s goal.
Currently the backpack program distributes food for the weekend to more than 160 children each week. The school year program only operates while school is in session, generally August through May.
This year Luverne Public School will have a 16-week summer break for its building project.
The summer backpack program picks up where the school year program ends but with a slight twist.
Pickup of the meals will be each Thursday at the Farmers Market location at the east end of Luverne’s Main Street.
“Our goal is to get kids down there … and get fresh vegetables and fruit,” Dinger said.
Corrine Bonnema, organizer for Luverne’s Farmers Market, approached the BackPack Program committee to partner with the Farmers Market Power of Produce or POP program.
The summer backpack program includes three days of meals plus $4 in tokens to purchase items at the Farmers Market.
If the students sign up for the POP program, they receive an additional $2 in tokens, Bonnema said.
At the Farmers Market, BackPack participants can take part in the POP education sessions.
These sessions will feature how fruits and vegetables are grown, offer taste tests using the seasonal produce and give out kid-friendly recipes.
“We love the idea of having good food … and to have produce in their diet,” Dinger said.
Donations at Friday’s “Farm to Pint” event at Take 16 Brewery go toward purchasing food for the summer BackPack Program. Volunteers complete the packing and distribution.
Hamburgers and rib ticklers are served at the indoor event.
The fundraising event begins at 5 p.m.
At 6 p.m., a new corn-based beer will be announced followed by an 8 p.m. performance of Dueling Pianos.
Donations can be mailed to the Luverne BackPack Program, P.O. Box 912, Luverne, MN 56156. Checks are made out to Luverne Summer BPP.