Through funding received from the Whitley County Health Department/Health First Indiana Grant, Whitko Community Schools’ corporation nurse, Stephanie Meyer, recently announced the Boomerang Backpacks program will expand to students at Whitko Jr/Sr High School and South Whitley Elementary School.

Boomerang Backpacks is a local, nonprofit organization whose mission is to help provide weekend nourishment to children who may face food insecurity and to help support families who have a need for more groceries. This is a self-elect program, available to anyone who would like to participate. There is a simple letter that parents/guardians need to sign and return to participate in the program.

The “backpacks” contain non-perishable foods, breakfast items, protein rich meals and snacks that children collect at their school at the end of the school day each Friday. This program for Whitko Jr/Sr High School and South Whitley Elementary School students begins Friday, January 17. There is no cost to participate as this program is funded through grants, private donors and company sponsorships. 

Through funding provided by the Kosciusko County Health Department’s Health First Kosciusko program, Pierceton Elementary School has had the Boomerang Backpacks program in place for Kindergarten through third grade students since September. The money also established a mentor program, hygiene supply closet, and an anti-bullying program at the school. A community church’s congregation provides backpacks to students in fourth through sixth grades. Additional grants from Health First Kosciusko and donations from Cottage Watchman/E.F. Rhoades and Sons, Pierceton High School Alumni Association, and the Kosciusko County Community Foundation will continue these programs for PES students.

For more information about the Boomerang Backpacks, contact Stephanie Meyer at (260) 723-0520 or email her at stephanie.meyer@whitko.org.