At School Barbecue: A barbecue was held last week for volunteers, including parents and others at Lehigh Elementary School of Schoolside Ave. in Lehigh who helped in this past year’s food school backpack program. Each Friday, a backpack filled with food for the weekend for 740 students was handed out. The food came from Harry Chapin Food Bank and was paid for by Community Cooperative Ministries Inc. in Fort Myers. Shown here are a presentation made on behalf of the the many who helped with the program thanking those who provided meals. They are from left, Donna McFee, the school teacher who was the coordinator, Neal McAllister, direction of operations with Harry Chapin Food Bank, and from CCMI, Sarah Owen, its CEO, and Meghan Madden, the food innovation team leader. McAllister said plans are being made for students and their families to pick up food each week from a mobile food pantry in Lehigh. Those interested can call 239-334-7007 and ask for Ashley Overly or Tina Williams for more information. McFee said the program has been a success at the school and with children having meals, it shows improvements in their school work. In addition, every student at the school can come and have a free breakfast. Food was sent home on Fridays in backpacks for more than 86 percent of students whose families that qualified. McAllister said the situation is the same all over the area including Naples, Cape Coral and Fort Myers where children are being given food because of economic conditions at home. Photo by Mel Toadvine