A program to help students get the food they need will continue while schools remain closed, thanks to the partners and volunteers supporting the Webster City Community Schools.

Organizers of the Backpack Program have established an emergency distribution site at the Webster City Hy-Vee to continue distributing food items to families. Pick-up will take place Wednesday, April 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.. a time selected to optimize availability during parents’ typical work lunch hours.

Children do not need to be present and parents may send a friend of family member to pickup backpacks on their behalf. Volunteers onsite will ask for the first name and grade of the child.

Usually, the program involves items from the Food Bank of Iowa being discreetly placed in students’ backpacks to help ensure they have enough food over the weekends, when they are not receiving free or reduced-price lunch. Now, to comply with the recommendations of social distancing, volunteers will provide several weeks’ worth of backpacks to students at once.

The Backpack Program has also partnered with Iowa Select Farms to offer ham and bread along with coupon books that can be used for additional food.

“We are so grateful for our partners and volunteers who are doing unbelievable work to help keep children fed during this very challenging time in our community,” said Dr. Mandy Ross, superintendent. “The Backpack Program has been a truly impressive effort over the past couple years. Now, some creative thinking has ensured the program can continue on as we practice social distancing.”

Families who have questions or who are unable to pick up backpacks April 1 should contact Danielle Enderson, (515)468-5564 or email daniellesenderson@gmail.com. Door drop home deliveries may be arranged upon request.