Kansas City students will be able to get free food, hygiene products and school supplies from dozens of pantries opening in schools across the metro through a partnership with SchoolSmart KC and Harvesters.
The pantries will be set up in 30 Kansas City public and charter schools. A study conducted by SchoolSmartKC, found that food insecurity was the leading concern among local families in Kansas City. Harvesters, a regional food bank, will be donating roughly $200,000 in food and supplies to create pantries at schools that do not have one or to expand existing pantries.
Stephen Davis, president and CEO of Harvesters, said the pantries will make getting resources easier for families in need.
“If a child is food insecure, that means a family is food insecure,” Davis said. “So how do we help provide resources to our schools so that they can help direct families to other support networks in the community?”
According to SchoolSmartKC, the pantries are expected to be operational by the end of October and will remain open for a minimum of three years. At the 13 Kansas City Public Schools and 17 charter schools in the program, the pantries are expected to help nearly 100 families in each school.
“I’m really excited because I recognize our children and our parents need assistance,” Elizabeth Williams, a teacher at Hogan Preparatory Academy said, “so this really gives them a little relief.”
To learn more about where you can find pantries closest to you visit: www.kcpublicschools.org/families/family-services/resources