PELHAM – Vineyard Family Services of Central Alabama received a $10,000 grant, endowed by Publix Super Market Charities, on Aug. 29, 2017.

The grant was awarded to support the organization’s children feeding program called BackPack Buddies.

Money was allocated to BackPack Buddies to purchase food items for public school aged children in Alabaster and Pelham city schools and Shelby County Schools. Program Director Stephanie Grissom, who has been with the agency since 2009, heads the project.

The BackPack Buddies Program, along with many sponsors, provides high quality food bags on a weekly basis to support public school children who are considered at-risk for food insecurity.

The program also supports grade promotion, solidifies school counselor and student relationships, and promotes overall social and emotional well-being.

“Vineyard Family Services is grateful for the continued support of Publix Super Market Charities and their partnership through the last eight years,” Grissom said. “They truly understand the need for programs like BackPack Buddies, and our individual missions could not be more compatible.”

Executive Director Ward Williams founded Vineyard Family Services in 2007. The agency is located at 2834-H Pelham Parkway.

The agency focuses on feeding children in need, promoting responsible fatherhood, and helping families in crisis. For more information, visit Vfsdads.com.