BCI plays a key role in the packaging and distribution of this limited-edition product, benefiting Folds of Honor

(St. Peters, Mo., June 18, 2026) — Boone Center, Inc. (BCI)—a nonprofit dedicated to creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities—has partnered in the fulfillment and distribution of Freedom Flakes, a limited-edition cereal created to commemorate America's 250th.

Manufactured by Gilster-Mary Lee, one of the nation's leading private-label food manufacturers, Freedom Flakes celebrates 250 years of American freedom and honors the service and sacrifice of military members and their families. A portion of proceeds from cereal sales benefits Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.

BCI employees will package and ship Freedom Flakes orders to customers across the country, creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with disabilities while helping support a worthy cause.

“Projects like Freedom Flakes reflect what’s possible when strong partnerships come together,” said BCI CEO Troy Compardo. “We’re proud to fulfill these orders, while also supporting the mission of Folds of Honor and the meaningful impact it has on military families. It’s a real win when we’re creating opportunities for those with disabilities while contributing to a cause that matters deeply.”

Ty Ballou of Ballou Sports and Entertainment brought Freedom Flakes to life by leading project development and connecting the partners behind its creation. He has a strong track record of building purpose-driven collaborations that bring together sports, entertainment, and philanthropy, and has helped launch several nationally recognized fundraising products that have raised millions for charitable causes. 

Headquartered in St. Peters, Missouri, BCI employs more than 230 adults with disabilities through its Organizational Employment program and supports hundreds more each year through vocational training and community employment services.

Freedom Flakes is available for purchase at https://freedomflakescereal.com/. Information on BCI’s employment programs and packaging services is available at https://boonecenter.com/. 

ABOUT BCI:

Boone Center, Inc. (BCI) creates meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Headquartered in St. Peters, Missouri, BCI employs 230 adults through its Organizational Employment program, which operates as BCI Packaging. In addition, the nonprofit supports another 200 individuals each year through its Competitive Employment program, helping them secure and maintain jobs alongside their non-disabled peers—earning equal pay, benefits, and opportunities for advancement. 

BCI also offers both general and employer-specific Vocational Training programs in manufacturing, hospitality, warehousing, custodial services, and health care and social assistance. Programs are delivered throughout St. Charles, Lincoln, and St. Louis counties in Missouri, as well as St. Louis City and Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties in Illinois’ Metro East region; however, not all programs and services are available in every location. In southwest Missouri, BCI operates as Imagine Technical Institute, serving Taney, Greene, Stone, and Christian counties. For more information on these programs, call (636) 875-5267 or visit https://boonecenter.com/.