Bright Futures Trenton is continuing its efforts to support students from Grundy County schools through its food program, “Food Pals.” The program serves students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunches at school. According to spokesperson Kayla Graham, the program is available during the school year, and households must meet specific criteria to participate.
The program begins each school year with an allotted amount of food for each participating school district. Graham mentioned that referrals are often made by the school districts themselves. She also set up a station during the Back to School Night to collect applications from interested families. Additionally, families who were involved in the program last year have already submitted applications to be included this year.
Graham highlighted the program’s success in securing donations, stating that Bright Futures Trenton has been “very fortunate” in this regard. Donations for the program can be left at any bank in Trenton or the Grundy County Jewett Norris Library in Trenton. Graham or another Bright Futures Trenton volunteer routinely collects items from bins at these locations.
Trenton Hy-Vee Store Manager Chad Boyd has also played a role in supporting the program. The donations are now housed at the new Bright Futures Trenton building, which provides a central location for the program’s operations. Anyone wishing to contribute can contact Kayla Graham to arrange for the pickup of items.
