Now in its seventh year, Beef Sticks for Backpacks has donated more than 3.2 million high-protein beef sticks for Colorado children facing food insecurity — kids who lack access to enough nutritious food to meet basic health needs. Beef Sticks for Backpacks is a nonprofit formed through a unique partnership between CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and key donors, including well-known agricultural companies. In fact, when it began in 2019, Beef Sticks for Backpacks aimed to produce just 500 beef sticks per week for hungry kids in the area — not enough to put a real dent in the problem. STUDENTS BENEFITWhile the impact on hungry Colorado kids is undeniable, Beef Sticks for Backpacks also benefits CSU students in ways never imagined. “When I meet teachers and they talk about Beef Sticks for Backpacks, they are almost tearful because they are so thankful,” Levi said.