Cultivate Food Rescue and Plymouth Schools team up to fight summer food insecurity with FREE backpack meal program

Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

Starting this Thursday, families across Marshall County and surrounding communities will have access to free, nutritious frozen meals for their children through a new Backpack Meal Program launching June 11 at Plymouth High School.

Cultivate Food Rescue, in partnership with the Plymouth Community School Corporation, is bringing the program to the area to help bridge the nutrition gap that many families face when school is out of session. Meals will be distributed every Thursday through July 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Plymouth High School, on dates that coincide with the school's existing summer lunch program.

The program is open to all children 18 and under — not just Plymouth Community School Corporation students. Families from throughout Marshall County and beyond are welcome to participate, as long as they are able to pick up meals during distribution hours.

There is no cost to join, no income verification required, and no limit on the number of backpacks a household may receive. Families with multiple children may pick up a backpack for each child.

Each backpack contains six individual frozen meals, with every meal including a protein, starch, and a fruit or vegetable. All meals are microwaveable and clearly labeled with ingredients, heating instructions, and allergy information, making them a convenient and reliable food option for busy families over the summer.

Backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. During the first week of distribution this Thursday, 100 backpacks will be available.

Cultivate Food Rescue is a northern Indiana nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity by rescuing and repurposing quality food that would otherwise go to waste. The organization relies on the support of donors, volunteers, and community partners to provide meals to children and families in need.

Families are encouraged to take advantage of the program beginning this Thursday, June 11, at Plymouth High School. For more information about Cultivate Food Rescue, visit their website or contact Plymouth Community School Corporation.