(Michigan City, IN) - Children in the Michigan City Schools are again receiving donations of food to take home for weekends.
The Salvation Army of Michigan City is behind the annual effort giving an average of 450 students in the Weekend Backpack Feeding Program six meals to eat until they return to school on Monday throughout the school year.
Major Becky Simmons said the program helps combat food insecurity by providing students from preschool to 12th grade with a consistent supply of something to eat.
Kristi David, Coordinator for Counseling and Support Services at the school corporation, said all students receive two meals on school days at no cost, but the program fills in potential gaps at home.
“But we know that some of our families struggle to make ends meet and that impacts their ability to provide meals over the weekend,” she added.
According to school officials, 77 percent of students in the district would qualify for free and reduced lunch at school systems no offering everyone a free meal.
Simmons said a lot is taken into account when deciding the food items for children to take home on weekends.
“We look at foods that are healthy, easy for kids to prepare on their own, appealing to children, affordable, and easily transportable, but still fits within our budget,” she said.
More information about this and other programs can be obtained by contacting The Salvation Army of Michigan City at (219) 874-6885 or at www.samichignacity.org.
