Two programs working to fight hunger among youth in Pierre and Fort Pierre have received $7500 in grants from the Bernie Christenson Feed the Children Fund.
Governor Grocery at Georgia Morse Middle School received $2500 and the Pierre Area Referral Service (PARS) Backpack Program received $5000.
The late Bernie Christenson was the founding executive director of the South Dakota Community Foundation. His wife Sally presented the checks on behalf of the Fund. She said Bernie’s last wishes were to start something for children and these types of donations are exactly what the two of them had in mind.
Governor Grocery, located at Georgia Morse Middle School, provides free food, hygiene items, school supplies, winter clothing and weekend meals for middle and high school students in Pierre. The pantry serves 40–70 middle schoolers with weekend meal packs and offers grab-and-go bags for high school students.
Run by 17 volunteers– one of which is Sally Christenson– the program relies on community support. Founder Hope Armstrong said sponsorships of $75 per month provide food for one child. She said they want the kids to feel surrounded in love from entrance to exit at Governor Grocery.
The PARS Backpack Program provides weekly food bags to 400 children in the Pierre and Stanley County schools, ensuring students have meals over the weekend.
PARS Executive Director Corwin Jones said their biggest need is financial donations. Each bag costs $5, making community donations essential to sustaining the program.
Donations for Governor Grocery may be dropped off at Georgia Morse Middle School or mailed to Governor Grocery, Box 836, Pierre, SD 57501.
To contribute to the PARS Backpack Program, call 605-224-8731 or email pars.assistance@midconetwork.com.
Hope Armstrong and Sally Christenson: Sally Christenson presents a $2,500 donation to Hope Armstrong with Governor Grocery from the Bernie Christenson Feed the Children Fund.
Courtesy photo.
Victoria Jones, Corwin Jones and Sally Christenson: Sally Christenson presents a $5,000 donation to Victoria Jones and Corwin Jones with the PARS Backpack Program from the Bernie Christenson Feed the Children Fund.
Courtesy photo.
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