Wildhorse Foundation grant ensures Walla Walla Valley students don’t go hungry

By Dan Thesman on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC), which serves the Walla Walla Valley, received a $15,000 grant from the Wildhorse Foundation to support the Backpack Bridge program.

This program helps elementary students who depend on free or reduced-price school meals by providing meal kits for the weekend. Launched in 2017, the kits include two breakfasts, two snacks, two fruits, and two entrées, ensuring children do not go hungry on weekends. The demand for this program has increased significantly, with BMAC distributing over 18,000 weekend meal bags last year, a rise from 11,000 the previous year.

“This support from the Wildhorse Foundation ensures that local children have consistent access to nutritious food, even when school is not in session,” BMAC CEO Danielle Garbe Reser said. “When kids return to school on Monday nourished and ready to learn, the whole community benefits.”

The Wildhorse Foundation grants are funded by casino revenues.

EMG photo by Dan Thesman