In lieu of a large fundraising event in 2025, the Mountain Lion Backpack Program is asking for help from area residents and businesses to feed the more than 1,050 elementary students in the Altoona Area School District that are experiencing food insecurity. The program spends approximately $210 per year to support one child participating in the program.

The Sponsor a Child Campaign includes the following sponsorship levels:

Nourishment Champion — Supports one to three children for the year. This tier is for monetary sponsorships between $210 and $839 and includes a window sticker.

Backpack Warrior — Supports four to six children for the year. This tier is for monetary sponsorships between $840 and $1,469 and includes a framed certificate, window sticker and recognition on the website.

Hunger Hero — Supports 7 or more children. This is for monetary sponsorships of $1,470 and up and includes a Hunger Hero plaque, framed certificate, window sticker and recognition on the website.

Checks may be addressed to Mountain Lion Backpack Program, 2301 Beale Ave., Altoona, PA 16601. For more information, call 814-946-3651.