Frank Jacques, a high school teacher at Belgrade High School, has a big inflatable Progresso soup can hanging from his classroom ceiling. Often it’s easier for his students to say “I can’t.” He’s been hearing that mantra for 20 years now. This can represents Frank’s belief that his students “can.”

And now, he’s taking it one step further, starting the Belgrade High School Can Initiative this week. Frank awards a literal can of food to every student who can get through a week without saying they can’t do something. Each can will be labeled with the name of the student who earned it and donated to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.

“These kids can,” said Frank. “They can be good students and they can extend themselves into the community. To get this project moving forward, what I needed was a supply of canned goods.”

Frank called the Community Food Co-op, seeking a donation of 200 cans of healthy, high quality food. The Co-op has long been a supporter of local food banks and providing good food to those in need, so the business seemed like the perfect fit for his project.

Co-op Marketing and Membership Manager Alison Germain jumped right on board with the project, providing a donation of 200 cans of organic beans, pureed pumpkin and canned salsa.

“My first thought was, ‘Yes We Can!’” said Germain. “The Belgrade Can Initiative motivates students to achieve their dreams, connect with our community and give back to those in need. As a community-owned business, we are always looking for ways to help enrich and strengthen the Gallatin Valley and this project exemplifies that.”