Bernie Christenson Fund Grants $7,500 to Fight Youth Hunger in Pierre/Fort Pierre

Bernie Christenson Feed the Children Fund, established at South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) by the late Bernie Christenson—founding executive director of SDCF—and his wife, Sally, recently awarded $7,500 in grants to support two Pierre and Fort Pierre programs working to fight hunger among area youth. On behalf of the fund, Sally Christenson presented $2,500 to Governor Grocery and $5,000 to the Pierre Area Referral Service (PARS) Backpack Program.

“Bernie’s last wishes were to start something for children. What we are giving today is exactly what we had in mind. Bernie would be thrilled,” said Sally Christenson, donor and volunteer with Governor Grocery.

Governor Grocery, located at Georgia Morse Middle School and TF Riggs High 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, the program relies on community support—sponsorships of $75 per month provide food for one child. “We want the kids to feel surrounded in love from entrance to exit at Governor Grocery pantry,” said founder Hope Armstrong. 

The PARS Backpack Program provides weekly food bags to 400 children in Pierre and Stanley County schools, ensuring students have meals over the weekend. Each bag costs just $5, making community donations essential to sustaining the program. “Our biggest need is financial donations,” said PARS Executive Director Corwin Jones.

Community members are encouraged to support these efforts. 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.