Our Programs

The Shepherd’s Door utilizes a network of partners to help provide the food through donations and organized 90-day food drives.

Your organization may agree to host a food drive, sponsor a child, or sponsor a week or month of food for the program. The Shepherd’s Door sets a nutritious menu and collects the food through food drives, donations, and/or direct purchases from food warehouse clubs such as Sam’s Club, Costco, etc. Check our events calendar for collection dates.

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Backpack Buddies

The Backpack Buddies Program is an emergency food assistance program that provides nutritious food for children facing food insecurity. The food is distributed every Friday.

The Shepherd’s Door provides nutritious snacks and easily prepared meal items for students who may have had little or nothing to eat at home. The program gives schools a way to respond immediately to the child’s need for food.

There are no out of pocket costs to the school or children who receive the food as everything is funded through donations. We are still working to obtain a cost per child for the school year.

How does the program work?

  • The Shepherd’s Door partners with the school system’s Coordinated School Health, Guidance Counselors, Social Workers, etc. to operate in the school.
  • The school identifies children in need of food assistance through observation, and the child’s self-report.
  • Once the student to be served is identified, the program is offered to all children of that family, if resources are available.
  • The Shepherd’s Door provides nutritious foods that are easy to open and prepare.
  • The participating school will pack and distribute the bags to the students every Friday

Items to Donate

  • Cereals: Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Special K,  Frosted Mini Wheats, Honey Bunches of Oats, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, Granola, etc.
  • Breakfast Bars: Granola Bars, Nature Valley, Special K, etc.
  • Fruit Cups: Mixed Fruit, Peaches, Applesauce, Pineapples, Mandarin Oranges, etc. (in real fruit juice when possible)
  • Fruits: Apples and Oranges.
  • Canned vegetables: Corn, Green Beas, Green Peas and Carrots (low sodium option when possible)
  • Soups: Chicken Noodle, Chicken with Rice, Vegetable, Minestrone, Tomato, Beef Stew, Potato, etc. (low sodium option when possible)
  • Crackers: Cheese, Peanut Butter, animal crackers, etc.
  • Chips: Chips, Pretzels, Doritos, Popcorn, Veggie Straws, Goldfish, etc.
  • Nuts: Peanuts, Cashews, Almonds, Trail Mix, etc. (unsalted when possible)
  • Sweets: Oatmeal Cream Pies, Rice Krispies Treats, Cookies, etc.

Summer Youth Cafe

Partnering this year with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, The Shepherd’s Door will be providing free lunch at Bayne Park for any child in the community during the summer break. Monday – Friday, 11:30-1pm. June 6 – August.22 (No weekends, Juneteenth Holiday nor July 4 service).

Meet us on May 31, 10am to VOLUNTEER with Summer Youth Cafe.

We will have activities planned for most weekdays.

Like and follow our Facebook page for updates and details!