The Boomerang Backpack program is a free weekend food distribution program that provides students enrolled in free/reduced lunch programs a backpack filled with healthy foods for the weekend. The Boomerang Backpack program's motto is "Helping to fight childhood hunger one Boomerang Backpack at a time." Feeding hungry children is the most visible part of our mission. However, the manner in which we provide the program reflects the other underlying mission of the Boomerang Backpack program which is to provide community service opportunities for at risk youth enrolled in alternative learning options and work -based learning experiences for special needs children.

In essence one program works to address the needs of three at-risk youth populations: children living at or near poverty levels; children who have not experienced success in traditional school environments thus are enrolled in Alternative Learning options; and low-functioning children enrolled in special needs Life Skills programs.

Currently the program serves over 700 students. Backpacks are delivered to 400 students in Noble County; 200 in DeKalb County; and 78 in Steuben County. Expansion plans include beginning to serve 68 students in LaGrange County in January as well as expanding programs in Steuben County to include Hamilton and Fremont school districts. In addition there is potential to serve additional students in each of the current active sites. Currently, East Noble schools have 16 special needs and 16 Alternative Learning Center students participating as well as 6 high school interns. Each school district is set up similarly utilizing students in each category.

The program is available for 27 weeks during the 2009-2010 school year at 5 sites. Our budget is $139,230 which includes $66,705 of in-kind donations of staff, facility use, travel expenses and other associated costs. The program has received direct financial support from local businesses, foundations, organizations and individual donors. Common Grace, Inc. acts as our fiscal agent.