Toll road donates over $100,000 through School Food Relief Fund

ITR Concession Company (ITRCC), the operator of the Indiana Toll Road, donated more than $100,000 through the Indiana Toll Road – School Food Relief Fund to support school food programs throughout Northern Indiana.

Thirty-nine public school districts, nonpublic school districts, and charter management organizations located in the seven counties across the Indiana Toll Road submitted applications, and all were selected to receive funds.  ITRCC originally planned to include grants between $1,000 and $5,000, but due to the need in the different areas, the maximum amount was increased to $14,400 to help offset the costs of each school’s take home food program.

After schools closed their doors to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, many students have been missing the nutrition they need to thrive. Backpack Food Programs, which provide a bag of nonperishable food to supplant school lunches, have been expanded to support students while they study from home. The Indiana Toll Road – School Food Relief Fund is donating over $100,000 to help schools feed their students.

Since each program is uniquely designed to serve its community, schools were eligible to receive additional funds to support high enrollment numbers. For example, the School City of Hammond received a proportionate donation to fund its “Grab & Go” curbside meals program, which provides meals for over 7,500 students.

ITRCC CEO Nic Barr said the donations will further the growth of backpack lunch programs, ensuring fewer children experience food scarcity.

“These programs will deliver tens of thousands of meals for students along the 157 miles of the Toll road, providing relief for families experiencing hardship” Barr said. “With their meals secured, we hope children can focus on what they do best: learning and playing.”

Lake County school districts that received donations include Lake Station, Merrillville, and River Forest.

Porter County districts receiving donations include East Porter County, Portage Township, Porter Township, Union Township, and Valparaiso Community.

LaPorte County districts that received donations include LaPorte Community and Michigan City Area.