The United Way of Bemidji Area and Bemidji State University Athletics partnered together this past weekend to pack up food for Beltrami County schools.

With a goal of 3,000 packs, Beaver athletes used teamwork and a little competitive spirit to pack food for a program known as “Backpack Buddies.” This weekend food program is a way to provide kids with a meal option when they may not have one after school.

United Way estimates about 400 kids receive a pack every Friday in the county. Along with helping feed kids, the food packing event was also a great bonding experience for BSU teams.

United Way of Bemidji Area has held the event for over a decade. The food pack was held at Lueken’s Village North in Bemidji.

By — Mary Balstad