The Grossnickle Foundation, a Donor Advised fund of the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, recently awarded a $5,000 grant to support Boomerang Backpacks.
Boomerang Backpacks is a local nonprofit organization that feeds hungry children on the
weekends by distributing backpacks full of healthy foods at the end of each week during the school year. Students who receive these free backpacks are elementary students typically enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program. Additionally, the Boomerang Backpacks program also inspires high school students to participate in community service and experience work-based learning experiences by volunteering to fill the backpacks.
The Boomerang Backpack program is volunteer-driven and relies on donations to purchase the food. The cost to feed one child every weekend during the school year is approximately $105. Currently, in the midst of the COVID-19, food insecurity rates are on the rise. Community support through volunteerism and grants, such as the one received from the Grossnickle Foundation, are critical to the operations of the Boomerang Backpack program and ensuring our school children have access to proper nutrition. To learn more, volunteer, or donate, visit www.boomerangbackpacks.org.
