Beefing Up Backpacks
Beefing Up Backpacks is on a mission to provide high-quality protein to children in need by adding a nutritious 1-ounce Beef Stick to every backpack distributed through Pennsylvania’s weekend food programs. These programs, operated entirely on donations and grants, offer essential meals to children facing food insecurity on weekends. Currently, less than 2% of the food in these backpacks is animal protein—a critical nutrient for growth and development. Beefing Up for Backpacks aims to bridge this gap by delivering shelf-stable, protein-rich beef sticks to kids across Pennsylvania.
Beef sticks produced
youth reached
LBS. of Beef converted into beef sticks
Counties in pa reached
Donated provides 2 beef sticks
Helping Feed Hungry Kids in Pennsylvania
To make this mission a reality, we rely on the generosity of businesses, industry partners, and community members. By supporting Beefing Up for Backpacks, you are directly contributing to the fight against childhood hunger and helping students show up to school well-nourished and ready to learn.
Fighting Food Insecurity in Central PA
On a night defined by service, compassion, and community, students, student-athletes, farmers, and local leaders came together on Penn State University’s campus to pack backp...
Beefing Up Backpacks Virtual Food Drive
November is a month full of gratitude and giving, and the Beefing Up Backpacks program through the Pennsylvania Beef Foundation is inviting ev...
Beefing Up Backpacks Expands Reach
The Pennsylvania Beef Foundation’s Beefing Up Backpacks program continues to make a strong impact in the fight against childhood hunger, del...
2025 Final Report
Through collaboration with schools, food banks, and community partners, we're strengthening food security and supporting healthy growth for children in need. See what we accomplished in 2025.
How to Donate:
Your support can help us reach thousands of children in need. After receipt of payment a donor letter will be provided with EIN (Employer Identification Number), the date and amount of the donation and a declaration that the organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, making your donation tax-deductible. Here’s how you can contribute:
Friend of BUBP
Please make your check payable to: Pennsylvania Beef Foundation
205 S Juliana Street Bedford, PA 15522
Note: Place "Beefing Up Backpacks" in the memo
Follow Us @BeefingUpBackpacks
Thank You for Your Support
Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of Pennsylvania’s children, ensuring they have the nutrition they need to grow strong and thrive.
For more information, please contact us.