The Blue Ridge School district will be bringing back their Backpacks for Kids program this fall.

The school district last year began the program that puts food in the backpacks of children for the weekend. The food from the program is distributed once a month before school lets out. Susan Wilson, Superintendent of Blue Ridge Schools, says last year the program served around 90 students a month in its first year.

[audio:backpacks1.mp3]A Word From Wilson[/audio]

Wilson gives a lot of credit to the many volunteers who lend a hand to help make the program possible. The program runs in conjunction with the Salt Creek Resource Center in Farmer City. Wilson says right now the program is currently seeking volunteers. The volunteers in the community make the many programs similar to Backpacks for Kids a success.

[audio:backpacks2.mp3]A Word From Wilson[/audio]

The Backpacks for Kids program uses the Midwest Food Bank as their food supplier, which helps save the district money because there is not cost to work with the Midwest Food Bank. Wilson notes, the program being in its second year is not as advanced as other districts with the program.

[audio:backpacks3.mp3]A Word From Wilson[/audio]

Wilson notes with nearly 40% of Blue Ridge students qualifying for the free or reduced lunches program, the Backpacks for Kids program has been well utilized in the district.