July 9, 2012 by Stefanie Mojonnier
Last month, the Indiana 4‑H Foundation was honored to learn that the Walmart Foundation approved a grant proposal of $150,000 to grow local hunger relief programs created by Indiana 4‑H Junior Leader members in 2011.
“I am very pleased to let you know that the Indiana 4‑H Foundation has just received news of funding for a 2nd year from the Walmart Corporation to continue the Feeding Tomorrow’s Future Today backpack program,” wrote Renée McKee, Indiana 4‑H Program Leader.
Feeding Tomorrow’s Future Today provides backpacks full of supplemental food to children in need. Junior Leaders, volunteers and educators in Blackford, Elkhart, Vanderburgh and Wells Counties started with 300 backpacks to pilot the project.
“We knew there were hungry kids,” said Purdue Extension educator Roger Sherer, “we did not know there were so many!”
Local fundraising efforts have also contributed to the success of the program. Each county manages the program to fit their communities’ needs. The new grant funding by Walmart Foundation will allow the program to expand into Newton and Vigo counties. If you would like to be involved, please contact the Extension office in your county.
Learn more:
More from July 2012:
- Spotlight on Indiana 4‑H: Huntington 4‑H Robotics
- Volunteer at the Indiana State Fair with the Indiana 4‑H Foundation
- Indiana 4‑H Foundation Selected Charity of Choice for Sixth Annual Mickey’s Camp for Women
- Indiana 4‑H Alum, Volunteer Pledges $25,000 to Permanently Fund Accomplishment Scholarship