Weakley County Food Assistance Program Representatives Offer Kiwanis Club Members Information
At the Nov. 15 meeting of the Martin Kiwanis Club, representatives from two Weakley County food assistance programs offered Kiwanis members information about the programs and suggested how members might support and serve. Bethany Allen (pictured left), coordinated school health director for Weakley County Schools, is in her eighth school year in this position.
Allen said, "Working in coordinated school health has given me the opportunity to help immediate needs of families across our county." She explained that the Weakley County School Food Pantry is a local assistance program designed to increase food access for school children and their families. Allen said that food is available for anyone associated with the school, including students, parents, and staff.
Mary Margaret Chester (pictured center), secretary for the Weakley County Backpack Board of Directors, said that the mission of the program is "to meet the needs of hungry children by providing nutritious and easy-to-prepare foods at times when other resources may not be available."
Chester said that the program is currently serving more than 350 students in pre-school through 12th grade in all schools in Weakley County. Chester encouraged Kiwanis members to volunteer to pack food with other Backpack volunteers on any of these upcoming days: December 5, January 2, February 6, March 6, and April 2. Volunteers are to meet at noon at Dresden First Baptist Church Family Life Center, 490 Morrow Street. Clinton Smith (pictured right) presented certificates of appreciation to the speakers.
