MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – A Marquette nonprofit received a hand in helping fight student food insecurity.

An organizer with JJ Packs received a check for $2,000 to help provide food for students to take home on weekends. JJ Packs is a nonprofit that works alongside Marquette Area Public Schools and gives 207 packs of food to students in need each week.

JJ Packs Co-Director Kristin Marchiol explains how the money will help.

“Part of this grant will go to supply us with our beef jerky that we’ve added,” Marchiol said. “We want to try and get as much protein and fruits and vegetables in our pack as possible but protein sometimes is heavy and expensive.”

JJ Packs received the money through the Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan agent charitable fund. JJ Packs was one of 18 organizations in the state to receive the grant.

“It’s important to fight food insecurities because you want children to be able to succeed and if that’s just a simple meal that will help them get through the day, then why not do that,” Marchiol said.

Huber Agency Farm Bureau Insurance in Marquette nominated JJ Packs for the award.

Owner Scott Huber says he is glad his company can be more than an insurance agency.

“We want to give back to our policyholders as much as we possibly can and that’s why we feel that this grant and this nomination really helps support the kids, the family, because it’s really about our customers but also our community,” Huber said.

Marquette Alternative High School Principal Andrew Crunkleton says students at his school benefit from the program.

“At Marquette Alternative High School roughly 20% of our students receive assistance through JJ Packs but then also they bring us boxes of apples and cheese sticks and healthy breads so then at the end of day on Friday we’re able to give all kids food leaving the door,” Crunkleton said.

Marchiol says the program is always looking for donations or volunteers. If you would like to give back, go to JJ Pack’s website to learn more.

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