SPRINGFIELD -- Many Springfield School District elementary students rely on free or reduced-price lunches as their daily meals. Now there's a new way you can help less fortunate families who are struggling financially.

Doug Pitt joined Ozarks Today to tell us more about the "Care to Learn Fund."

To see the interview, click on the video icon.

Here's information from Springfield Public Schools:

Big name donors unveil ‘Care To Learn’ -- April 4, 2008

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are the celebrity names behind a new community challenge to help meet the basic needs of district students such as hunger, health and hygiene.

Pitt’s brother, Doug Pitt, and local businessman Jim D. Morris, made the announcement during an April 2 press conference at Campbell Elementary School. The Pitts, Morris and an anonymous donor will contribute $3 for every dollar donated by the community. Collectively, they will contribute $150,000 yearly for the next three years.

The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools is managing the funds.

“We are all aware that poverty is growing throughout the nation and Springfield is no exception,” said foundation executive director Nancy Fazzino. “This initiative could not have come at a better time. We know from speaking from school officials and principals that there are a number of children falling between the cracks of the system. They are going hungry on the week-ends when school breakfast and lunch is not served and they are going without other basic needs. This is what this fund is all about.”

Every district school will be eligible for a portion of the funding based on its free and reduced lunch rates.