News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Putnam Education Partnership Foundation seeking help restocking the food pantries used for Putnam County students.
Executive Director Katelyn Steakley (STEEk-lee) said the foundation works to support public students in Putnam County and help remove barriers that might interfere their education. She said one of the biggest barriers is having access to food primarily on the weekends.
“With the rising food costs we’ve seen more need, especially in the last few months, I think rising energy costs and rising food costs both play a role,” Steakley said. “So we’ve had more requests than normal. And we’re trying to help facilitate restocking those pantries so the people that run those pantries can serve the students well.”
Steakley said they are searching for anything that is easy-open and kid-friendly. She said they are also looking for pantry staples such as pasta, rice, beans and other canned items.
Steakley said they serve about 800 students through their backpack program, which provides food to participating students each Friday to eat on the weekend when meals might not otherwise be available. She said the food pantries serve various amounts of students throughout the system.
Steakley said you can donate monetarily online or in-person at the PCSS Student Services Building, SmartBank, Wilson Bank and Trust, or The Realty Firm.
