Contact: Sasha Steinberg

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Kindergarten through eighth grade students in Oktibbeha County will receive much-needed meals this upcoming school year thanks to support provided by Mississippi State’s fraternities and sororities.

Earlier this year, university fraternity and sorority members raised $6,600 to benefit the Backpack Meals referral program administered by First United Methodist Church in Starkville.

Every Friday in August through May, program volunteers will distribute nutritious, pre-packaged, non-perishable meals in backpacks to Starkville-Oktibbeha School District students in need of food on the weekends.

John Michael VanHorn, MSU fraternity and sorority life assistant director, said he anticipates a growing partnership with Backpack Meals in years to come.

An MSU alumnus, VanHorn emphasized that service is a cornerstone of Greek organizations. He encourages those who would like more information about Backpack Meals or to make a donation to visit www.growasdisciples.com.

For more information on MSU fraternities and sororities and their Backpack Meals donation efforts, visit www.greeks.msstate.edu. To contact the fraternity and sorority life office, telephone 662-325-3917. VanHorn also may be reached at jvanhorn@saffairs.msstate.edu.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.