FORT SMITH, Ark. — Fort Smith held its 13th Annual True Grit 105 bike ride on Saturday, June 17.
The event started at 7 a.m. at Fort Chaffee Historic District. Cyclists rode a 105-mile bike ride to benefit the Backpack Program at the Community Services Clearinghouse (CSC).
The Backpack Program sends home food every Friday during the school year to over 2400 children in need.
Tami Khuns with CSC says the cost of the program has been rising in the last two years.
"I mean, you know when you go to the grocery store, how expensive it has been so that has affected our program as well," said Khuns.
A 35% increase has affected the Backpack Program raising it to almost $3 a bag, according to CSC.
According to the CSC website, backpacks include:
- Juice
- Cereal
- Pudding
- Fruit cups
- Crackers
- Treats
- Meat sticks or Vienna sausages for protein
As the event came to an end, participants enjoyed free pizza and drinks. To learn more about the Backpack Program, click here.
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