JEFFERSON TWP — The federal free and reduced-price lunch program helps millions of students from going hungry in schools each year, but there are still students who fall through the cracks.

South Butler School District established the Angel Fund three years ago for students who didn’t qualify for free or reduced price lunches to buy lunch at school.

The income threshold for the federal program also changed that year, pushing more students who may have qualified before out of eligibility. Students from the Family Career and Community Leaders of America club will be overseeing it for the first time this year.

Leslie Fidler, Knoch Middle School assistant principal and food services liaison, said she began raising funds among staff for the past couple years, and reached out to others in the community for support.

“There are just some people who fall in this gray area and are in need of some additional support,” Fidler said.

The program isn’t meant to feed students every day. Rather, it’s an occasional assistance program provided when students are in a bind. About 20 students utilized $450 in the Angel Fund last school year.

Students being involved is new, and Fidler hopes getting students involved cements the longevity of the program.

“It’s the epitome of what our whole club is about,” said Julie Kasunic, a senior who’s president of the FCCLA club. “We hope to fundraise in the spring.”

The club also funds money for South Butler Santas, a program where students buy Christmas presents for needy families. Melissa Grantz is the family and consumer science teacher at Knoch High School and advises the club.

“I think it’s just good that we’re helping kids that we go to school with, the people around it,” said Molly Conlon, a senior who’s vice president of the club.

Recipients of the Angel Fund remains anonymous, and students and staff work to keep the program discreet.

To donate to the Angel Fund, make checks out to South Butler Angel Fund and mail them to FCCLA, Knoch High School, 345 Knoch Road, Saxonburg, PA 16056.