Feed Our Valley: school food pantry in Hubbard feeds dozens of district families
The food pantry at Hubbard High School (HHS) helps reduce food insecurity for the entire school district. The pantry is in memory of Cody Pitts who was murdered in 2015.
A $5,000 donation from the Cody A. Pitts Foundation helped bring the idea to life.
"Most people are ignorant to the fact that [...] kids don't know where their next meal is coming from," Chris LaCivita, president of The Cody A. Pitts foundation said.
The partnership along with the Second Harvest Food Bank is so critical. David Reel, assistant principal of HHS, told 21 News that some unforeseen disruptions have driven more families to the pantry.
"As the economy changes, as job changes, as families grow [...] you can't foresee a lot of these things, but the need is there," Reel said.
The food pantry at the school feeds 43 families weekly and distributes about 50 grab-and-go bags to students daily.
But it takes a team of teachers and students who spend parts of their days managing, organizing and taking pride in helping other students have balanced meals after the final bell.
The pantry doesn't stop at meals, its also a place for students to learn life skills and the importance of giving back.
"I feel good just helping out [...] just being there for them and helping my classmates," ninth grade student and pantry volunteer, Gianna said.