Hefty Grant Helps Students In Hector

So the elementary school started a backpack program to make sure students wouldn't go hungry over the weekends.

Administrators at Hector Elementary said their backpack program is a big hit with students who get a sense of independence from bringing home their own food on the weekends.

"Kid friendly meals things they can fix for themselves when parents are working," said Kathy Freeman the principal of Hector.

Freeman saw a need for a program like this, so using all donated money she was able to bring the program to the elementary school where it's been a success.

The backpack program already in place at Hunter helps over 90 students. According to administrators 85% of the students who walk these halls live below the poverty line.

Now giving the program a big leg-up Hector will be the recipient of a $30,000 grant from the Arkansas food bank after a nation-wide competition among Conagra employees.

$30,000 means 20 more families will get the help they need for years to come.

"We are very frugal," said Freeman, "Very wise in spending our money and so we're hoping it'll last two years maybe a little more."

For the families who are facing tough times, pitching-in and becoming bread winners can mean a load of the minds of many students.

"One student he was a 2nd grader last year, and his father died," said Hector councilor Pam Pruitt.

"His mom called our principal and said he was very excited because he got to bring home the food."

And the help from Conagra doesn't end with the grant school administrators mentioned workers have kept in touch with them and asked to do various other projects the school needs help doing.