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Permanent Pantries
A permanent school food pantry program provides a sustainable solution to address food insecurity among students and their families within the school community. It involves establishing a designated space within the school facility to store and distribute food supplies on an ongoing basis.
The pantry typically offers a variety of nutritious food items, including fresh produce, canned goods, grains, and proteins, to meet the diverse needs of recipients. Students and/or families can access the on-site pantry during designated hours, ensuring convenience for those facing transportation challenges.
Programs often partner with local food banks or other feeding programs to secure food. Depending on the size of the food pantry, it can be helpful to collaborate with community and faith-based organizations for volunteer support.
In the San Antonio Independent School District, uneaten surplus food from breakfast, lunch, snack, and supper programs, as well as food from school or community food drives, is used to stock school food pantries. The district has established guidelines detailing how items like snack bars, applesauce, and whole fruits can be integrated into the food pantry.1 Other schools operate more complex food pantries like Joey’s Locker, which works with the local food bank to distribute food to hundreds of families each month.2
Evidence for Use
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There are currently limited studies available on the impact of permanent school-based food pantries on students and families. In a dissertation by William Phillips, there was a positive correlation between the number of times a parent/guardian used the school food pantry and their rating of the school.3
In the same study, parents reported no correlation between the number of times parents accessed the school food pantry and their children’s behaviors, academic performance, or disciplinary history. Reasons for this are unclear, but it may be that the food banks are not able to meet the food needs of students and families. At one site, parents utilizing the food pantry report that they appreciate being able to connect with other parents at the food pantry.4 With this, participants noted the need to house the pantry in a visible location to reduce stigma.5
Implementation Process
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Effectively implementing a permanent school food pantry involves several essential steps. Firstly, schools should assess the needs of the school community by conducting surveys or interviews to identify if a food pantry is a good way to meet the needs of families experiencing food insecurity. Next, secure a designated space within or near the school site that is easily accessible to students and/or families, considering factors such as proximity to transportation and confidentiality. Develop internal policies that allow for uneaten school foods to be utilized or establish partnerships with external partners such as food banks, grocery stores, or community organizations to source food donations. With the input of students and families, develop a system for food distribution, including operating hours, eligibility criteria, and inventory management procedures. Recruit and train school staff or volunteers to work the pantry, ensuring they are equipped with knowledge of food safety, cultural sensitivity, and client confidentiality. Promote the pantry program to the community through various channels, such as school newsletters, social media, and community outreach events.
Best Practices
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- Involve students and parents in the pantry planning process
- Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the local food bank
- When possible, provide perishable foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and bread
- Ensure the pantry environment provides an opportunity for families to shop for the foods that meet their specific needs
- Utilize a consistent schedule for food distribution
- Regular marketing through diverse platforms of the pantry in home-languages
Participating Schools
Resources
Citations
1. Campus food pantry guidelines for campus staff. Texas Education Agency Website. https://tea.texas.gov/system/files/Campus%20Food%20Pantry%20Guideline%20for%20Campus %20staff.pdf. Updated 2018. Accessed April 11, 2024.
2. Joey’s food locker. Natomas Unified School District Website. https://natomasunified.org/joeys-food-locker/. Updated 2024. Accessed April 10, 2024.
3. Phillips W. School-based food pantry: Home-school collaboration and student outcomes. [Doctor or Philosphy]. Ball State University; 2020.
4. Snelling A, Maroto M, Jacknowitz A, Waxman E. Key factors for school-based food pantries: Perspectives from food bank and school pantry personnel. Journal of hunger & environmental nutrition. 2014;9(3):350-361. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19320248.2014.929549. doi: 10.1080/19320248.2014.929549.
5. Snelling A, Jacknowitz A, Maroto M, Kalamchi S, Brannegan A. Understanding feeding america : Elementary school-based food pantries. 2010.