Jan Harris receives 2024 Crimson FORK

Jan Harris of Three Lakes has been awarded the 2024 Crimson FORK by Feed Our Rural Kids (FORK) for her continuous efforts with the Three Lakes Christian Food Pantry and the Weekend Backpack program.

Harris has been co-director of the food pantry for over 10 years. “But this service to the community was not solely the basis for her receiving this recognition,” explained Crimson FORK Chairman Scott Foster. Harris is also a member of the Faith Lutheran Churches Outreach Committee, which has presented the Weekend Backpack program every year since 2017 to the Three Lakes School District elementary counselor. At that time, her efforts to start the program were met with resistance and lack of interest by the district school. Foster continued, “Each year they were turned down. But that never stopped them, as each succeeding year they tried again, though unsuccessfully.” Until February of 2022, in partnership with FORK, their proposal was heard and accepted by current Three Lakes School District Administrator Teri Maney. “The Three Lakes school district is grateful to have this kind of support for our area’s children from food insecure homes,” offered Maney.

Today, under Harris’ direction and with the full support of Faith Lutheran Church in Three Lakes and the Three Lakes community, their Weekend Backpack program provides nutritional support to 38 kids in the Three Lakes School District. “Jan stands out because she is smart, committed and not afraid to have her voice heard,” concluded Foster. “She stands as an example of what it is to put her community first, especially the children.” Currently, the Three Lakes Christian Food Pantry supports families with 34 children each month, a number that continues to grow.

Individuals wishing to support the Three Lakes Christian Food Pantry can send their donations to P.O. Box 124 Three Lakes, WI 54562. Individuals wishing to support the Three Lakes Weekend Backpack Program can send their donations directly to Faith Lutheran Church Weekend Backpack Program at P.O. Box 436 Three Lakes, WI 54562.