BOULDER, Colo. (March 28, 2023) - Backpacker’s Pantry, a family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, announces today its latest partnership within its ‘Environmental Access and Education’ give back vertical, with the Young Masterminds Initiative nonprofit organization. Specifically, Backpacker’s Pantry will provide financial support to its Camping to Connect program for youth from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (“BIPOC”) communities in New York and Colorado. Backpacker’s Pantry will also make food donations throughout the year for their excursions.

Camping to Connect is a BIPOC-led experiential mentorship program that uses outdoor recreation and nature immersion to address the diverse issues faced by young men of color in America’s cities—from mental health to healthy masculinity. 

"Backpackers Pantry's collaboration with Camping to Connect offers crucial financial backing and top-notch food supplies,” said Manny Almonte, President and CEO of Young Masterminds Initiative. “This partnership aims to revolutionize the way BIPOC young men perceive their own identities in outdoor environments, redefining the concept of belonging in these spaces and tackling the challenge of nature deprivation among urban youth."

“Like many others, we were first introduced to the work Camping to Connect is doing through their film Wood Hood,” said Backpacker’s Pantry CEO, Duane Primozich. “Their efforts align perfectly with both our focus on Outdoor Access and Education and our Core Value of Inclusivity, and it is a privilege to support their important work.”

Backpacker’s Pantry will partner with a number of organizations in 2023. In addition to Camping to Connect, they will be supporting The Conservation Alliance,  Continental Divide Trail Coalition, The Freshwater Trust, Thorne Nature Experience, American Hiking Society, Conscious Alliance, Partnership for the National Trails System, and Slow Money. Additionally, since 2017, Backpacker’s Pantry has pledged 1% of every sale, every day as a proud business partner of 1% For the Planet.

The first Camping to Connect excursions that Backpacker’s Pantry will support with meals will take place in April to Harriman State Park, NY and in May to Silver Dollar and Murray Lake Trails in Bailey, Colo. Additional Camping to Connect programming planned for later in the year include the Delaware Water Gap, NJ Camping experience and the Appalachian Trail Backpacking trip from Conn. to Mass.

For more information on Backpacker’s Pantry, please visit: https://backpackerspantry.com  

 About Backpacker’s Pantry

Backpacker’s Pantry is a Boulder-based, family-owned producer of gourmet adventure meals made with healthy and sustainable ingredients. Since 1951, the company has been delivering high-quality freeze-dried meals with an emphasis on taste. To give back to the community we love, the places we adventure and the planet we must protect, Backpacker’s Pantry donates 1% of every sale, every day to nonprofits around the world through 1% For the Planet and is 100% solar powered. Today, Backpacker’s Pantry is sold in over 2,000 stores in North America. For more information and a complete list of products, visit https://backpackerspantry.com. 

About American Outdoor Products

American Outdoor Products (AOP) is a food manufacturer located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO.  Established in 1951, American Outdoor Products remains an independent, privately held, family-owned and operated company distributing products throughout the world. Inspired by a passion for unique cuisine and exciting adventures, the company produces Backpacker's Pantry, adventure food for the outdoors; Astronaut Foods, out-of-this-world novelty treats; Chef Soraya grab-and-go plant-based meals; and Colorado Spice, all-natural and organic artisan spice blends. To learn more, visit: https://backpackerspantry.com