The Hastings High Food Pantry is a place for students to get food and hygiene products. It is between the locker room doors right below the main staircase and opens on the last day of the week after school.
There are a lot of students who work very hard to help provide for their families, and sometimes the food pantry can help them out in a few ways.
“The food pantry is utilized by some students each week, and some students come sporadically when they need a little extra help. Many of our students work to help their families with rent, groceries and bills,” Katie Funkey said.
The Food Pantry is pretty much exactly what it sounds like, but there are more products than just food.
“Each student receives a bag of groceries but can also take any other items they may need for the week. Our shelves are stocked with nonperishable food and hygiene products like toothbrushes, toilet paper, face wash, as well as tampons and pads. In past years we have also had donations of winter gear like gloves and hats,” Funkey said.
They are always looking for some extra donations for the pantry, whatever it may be.
“We are always in need of food items as well as hygiene products. Commonly needed items include mac and cheese, spaghetti and sauces, granola bars, canned soups, canned fruits, and veggies, helper meals, individually wrapped snack items, shampoo/conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, body soaps, hand soaps, toilet paper, laundry soap pods, and acne wash,” Amy Swayze said.
There are a few things that will be different this year. For instance, the students doing E-Learning can also access the food pantry.
“E-learning students can come during our normal hours, or contact a food pantry committee member to set up a different time to access the pantry. Just like in class we are asking students to wear masks in the pantry, and we are encouraging students to use hand sanitizer before coming in as well,” Funkey said.
Funkey and Swayze both emphasized that they are always open to donations.
“We are always in need of donations. We can’t use student helpers to help distribute but we always welcome donations and fun ideas to bring in monetary and tangible donations,” Swayze said.
Donations are a big part of the pantry. The more donations they get, the less stress everyone involved in the pantry has.
“The food pantry is stocked and funded by community donations. We have a great partnership with the Adams County Food Bank, but the rest is all made possible by donations of funds and items for the pantry,” Funkey said.
The Food Pantry is open, and available to anyone who may need it, so stop by at the end of the week if that pertains to you!
