There is a goal of $18,000 to provide food to as many as 120 school-age children for weekend consumption in the 2012-13 school year. The program is called “Backpack Buddies.” This is the fourth year for the program offered to eligible children from the Grundy County Community Food Pantry.

Ginny Wikoff, the volunteer coordinator, explains the concept:

Click here to listen to Ginny Wikoff

Six schools are participating this time. According to Ms. Wikoff, they are Rissler Elementary and Trenton Middle School, Pleasant View R-6, Grundy R-5, Laredo, and Spickard. She indicated the weekend food items are considered to be “child-friendly” and easy for them to fix:

Click here to listen to Ginny Wikoff

Ms. Wikoff said funding for “Backpack Buddies” is dependent on donations made by community members:

Click here to listen to Ginny Wikoff

Ms. Wikoff voiced appreciation for the community support:

Click here to listen to Ginny Wikoff

It has been determined that a 150 dollar donation will provide enough weekend food for one child. However, donations of any amount will be accepted; and can be broken down to by quarters or by a semester of the school year. Checks should be made to the Grundy County Community Food Pantry and designated for Backpack Buddies.