Daines Honors Montanan of the Week: Jackie Stratton of Toole County

U.S. SENATE – Last week U.S. Senator Steve Daines recognized Jackie Stratton of Toole County for her tremendous efforts to support her community.

Through his “Montanan of the Week” initiative, Daines each week will highlight a Montanan by submitting a statement of recognition in the official Congressional Record, the document that reflects the official proceedings of Congress.

Daines welcomes anyone to nominate fellow Montanans for Daines’ “Montanan of the Week” program by calling Daines’ office at 202-224-2651 or by filling out the contact form on Daines’ website: HERE.

The following is a statement submitted to the Congressional Record:  

TRIBUTE TO JACKIE STRATTON 

Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, this week I have the honor of recognizing Jackie Stratton of Toole County for her tremendous efforts to support her community.

Jackie, a graduating senior at Shelby High School, took the initiative to start a food bank at her school to help those in need.

Jackie’s FFA and Ag teacher encouraged her to apply for a grant from Montana State University to fund her idea. After applying for the grant, she received $500 from the Alpha Gamm Rho fraternity at Montana State University to start her food bank. Her selfless efforts then caught the attention of community member Lynda Barker who was able to secure a $2,500 grant from the America’s Farmers Build Community Bayer Fund to help Jackie’s efforts.

With these grants, Jackie was able to purchase a refrigerator, shelving, food, and hygiene products. Jackie also collaborated with the local Albertsons for dairy, breads and frozen foods. Additionally, Jackie secured the donation of 300 pounds of ground beef from Flesch Angus in Shelby for her food bank.

It is my honor to recognize Jackie for her selfless efforts to help her fellow students and community members in need of support during this difficult time. Her bold initiatives inspired others to give as well and demonstrated how Montanans can come together to help one another.