LEITCHFIELD -- Members of the Grayson County 4-H Teen Club have just received a $400 grant from Kraft Foods and the National 4-H Council. The grants were awarded to local programs which involve youth groups which take leadership roles and work with adult volunteer leaders in the community.

Teen Club members were very much involved in the writing of the grant proposals. The club members will also be making project decisions, designs and implementations.

"The Grayson County club will be using the grant to raise awareness of food security needs and the need for fresh produce and canned goods."

The club is set to work in conjunction with the Grayson County Community Alliance. It hopes to increase the food donations to the Alliance's food bank.

The mission of the National 4-H Council is to advance the 4-H youth development movement, building a world in which youth and adults learn, grow and work together as catalysts for a positive change. With local 4-H staff, volunteers, members, other youth programs and activities that involve young people as partners, the "National program provides hands on coeducational programs and activities that involve the young people as partners. the council facilitates the establishment of youth as resources in their communities and provides leadership training and experience to ensure their success in their chosen fields." In 2001 there were more than 6.8 million young people from the ages of five through 19 involved in 4-H programs from all over the United States.

The local effort will also include the gathering of surplus edible produce from local gardeners and farmers. If you have extra crops contact Donna Durbin at the Grayson County Extension Office at 259-3716.