Lunch Box Express is an essential program that serves one of the greatest needs of our community through nourishing the minds and bodies of one of the greatest assets, our children.

What is Lunch Box Express?

Through this program, we pack and deliver breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for students in the Rockford Area School District over the Summer break at no cost to them.

Weekly we deliver a bag (or two) of groceries so the kids can easily make their meals – cereal, milk, bread, lunch meat, cheese, fruits, veggies, and even a couple of treats for the week!

History of Lunch Box Express

The program began in 2005 when Rockford college student Emily Pennuto launched it as Lunch Box Fever. For nine years, it was generously hosted and supported by Our Father’s Lutheran Church and fueled by donations from the broader community.

In 2015, RiverWorks was invited to carry the program forward—an opportunity that aligned seamlessly with our mission. We were honored to build on its strong legacy.

In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped how we serve, the program evolved into Lunch Box Express, reflecting its mobile delivery model and renewed purpose.

Now, Lunch Box Express continues to deliver nutritious meals—and a message of hope—to school-aged children in the Rockford School District. Each bag of food is more than a meal; it’s a reminder that their community cares.

Lunch Box Express is so helpful and beneficial to my family, and I am so thankful and grateful for this program! I am thankful for all the volunteers and donors and all that is involved. I am so thankful for all that you do for this community! Thanks so much for all you do. You are making a difference in my life and so many others, I am sure!

Lunch Box Express Participant

Lunch Box Express Service

Summer 2025 | Registration is closed

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 
  • Must live within the boundaries of the Rockford School District.
  • Financially the cost of groceries is a concern for the summer months.

If you have any questions, please email The RiverWorks Food Shelf at foodshelf@riverworksonline.org, or you can call 763-477-6098 and leave a message.

Looking to Donate?

If you are interested in supporting this RiverWorks program that directly impacts young members of our community who might not otherwise have nourishing meals especially through the Summer months consider making a financial contribution today.

Donate Now

Interested in Volunteering?

Lunch Box Express volunteer opportunities are now open for Summer 2025!

Sign Up

Do I Qualify?

The families we serve through Lunch Box Express live in the Rockford Area School District and are on the free/reduced-price meal plan at school, or like many families are going through a financial hardship and just need a little extra help with groceries during school break times. The school district includes all or parts of the following communities, Buffalo, Rockford, Greenfield, and Corcoran, and encompasses 42 square miles of both Hennepin and Wright counties.

If you would like to know more about Lunch Box Express, or how to help please contact Tammi at foodshelf@riverworksonline.org 

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