Student success center opens food pantry to help students in need
The Student Success Center is helping students and families in need with a new food pantry. The pantry offers food and hygiene products to anyone who needs them, especially during the SNAP benefit shutdown and holiday season.
Counselor Kelly Carling said the pantry was designed to be simple and discreet.
“We thought it would be a good idea to have food and hygiene products readily available to anybody who needs it, whether it’s staff, our students or their siblings,” Carlig said. “We put bags out so people can just grab what they need. It’s also a space where people can bring items they don’t need anymore.”
Carling said the pantry’s location at the back of the Success Center makes it easy for anyone to use without feeling awkward.
“Other places have food or clothing assistance, but sometimes you have to talk to somebody. Here, it’s grab-and-go. Truly, it’s for anyone who needs it,” Carlig said.
Media specialist Debby Lopez helped stock the pantry, and said her own experiences inspired her to help.
“During high school, I often went hungry and couldn’t afford lunch,” she said. “No student should worry about where their next meal is coming from. We have to prioritize the most vulnerable. No family should face hunger, no matter the circumstances.”
The pantry now serves students, staff and families, helping the community stay supported and connected during a time when access to basic needs can be uncertain.
Interviews
Reporter Taylor Steele: “ Why did you start the food pantry?”
Kelly Carling states, “We thought it would be a good idea to have food and hygiene products readily available to anybody who needs it, whether it’s staff, our students, or the siblings of our students. We put bags out they’re so they can just grab and take anything that’s needed. It’s also a space where people can bring food or hygiene products, or anything that’s there at their house. It’s not needed, they’re. That was, we’re able to help out our community. A lot of different areas have food or clothing or things to help, but they’re are certain horses or it feels quiet
because you have to talk to somebody. OH, I felt like here at the back of the success center, it’s discreet, it’s easy to grab and go, and truly it’s for anyone who needs it.”
Reporter Nathan Chrisinski , “Why did you supply the food pantry?”
Debbie Lopez says, “During my high school years, I often went hungry, unable to afford lunch on many days. The constant worry over basic needs(whether it was my parents’ bills or where my next meal would come from) should never be a concern for children. How can we expect students to thrive in an environment where their fundamental needs are unmet? We must always prioritize the well-being of the most vulnerable among us. No family should ever have to face hunger, regardless of the circumstances.”
