Hamilton 7th Grader Leads The Way For Fighting Childhood Hunger in Montana

There is a 20 member governor and first lady youth leadership council made up of middle and high school students across Montana. They are dedicating this week to fighting childhood hunger in their respective schools and communities. Communications Directors for the Governors Office of Community Service Marissa Perry says people don’t always notice the hunger issue.

“About an average of 1 in 5 children in Montana don’t know where their next meal will come from,” said Perry. “On reservations, it’s more like 1 in 3 children. We see that as a major issue. We actually have youth leadership council members in Browning, Rocky Boy and Fort Peck this year.”

Garret Turner is a seventh grader and he is the youngest member of the council.

“He actually had a school assembly yesterday at Hamilton middle school with the mayor and then he had someone come in and talk about the weekend back pack program,” Perry said. “He is doing fundraising throughout the week to support the weekend back pack program. He is also talking to the school board about improving the school lunch program and maybe starting a school breakfast program.”

Turner is trying to provide free or reduced options for the students in need. There are several events taking place this week all throughout Montana.