No Student in Sterling Should Go Cold or Hungry
HRTS is working to end child hunger in Sterling by providing weekend meals to more than 300 local students and warm winter coats to over 400 Sterling students each year.
64,000+ weekend meals were provided last school year, and over 400 coats through our annual Winter Coat Drive
Hunger Is Closer Than You Think
In one of the wealthiest counties in the nation, one in four children lives in a food-insecure home. That means right here in Sterling, thousands of kids head into the weekend unsure if they’ll have enough to eat.
HRTS currently supports 300 students across 14 Sterling schools through our Backpack Buddies program and seasonal Coat Drive.
This school year, we anticipate serving nearly 350 students.
Your Financial Gifts Feed More Children Than Grocery Donations Alone.
Because we purchase some food in bulk, every dollar stretches further. Financial gifts allow us to provide consistent, discreet weekend meals to children who need them most.
2025-2026 School Year:
• 98% of donations went directly to food and clothing
• 64,000+ weekend meals were provided
• 300 students were served weekly
Volunteering matters. Food drives matter.
But your financial support creates the greatest impact.
How HRTS Weekend Meals Work
No stigma. No red tape. Just dignity and kids who are fed.
Each weekend food bag contains at least six meals designed to be filling, nutritious, and easy to prepare.
Schools discreetly identify students who need support.
HRTS packs weekend meal bags with nutritious food.
Students leave school with food for the weekend.
Colby's Story
When Colby’s dad lost his job, weekends became uncertain. Thankfully, his teacher connected the family with Backpack Buddies. Now, he leaves school on Fridays with food and the ability to focus on being a kid.
Because of supporters like you, students across Sterling are nourished, confident, and ready to learn.
Our Community in Action
During the 2025-2026 school year, HRTS had a 19% increase in number of students supported through our Backpack Buddies weekend meal program, and we're growing.
64,000+
meals provided in 2025
300+
students served weekly
14
Sterling schools supported
Community Powered. Sterling Focused.
HRTS is an independent, 100% community-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Sterling schools. While our food packing is hosted at St. Matthew’s in Sterling, we are an independent nonprofit and funded by community donors like you.
98% of donations go directly to the food and clothing we provide to students.
