During the school year, Pirates have the wonderful opportunity to access the food pantry that operates all year long. It offers reassurance, hope, and comfort so students do not have to worry and stress about their next meal.
The Pirate Food Pantry is a pantry located under the science building stairs, around the corner from Ms. Powell’s room. It’s purpose is to give students access to food that they need. Many Putnam City high students rely on the pantry for everyday use.
“The PCO Food Pantry is a resource for students and teachers if they need it. The pantry provides an extra resource for people that may need food at home,” FCCLA advisor Lacy Grotheer said.
Nutrition is key to learning and success. Some students might not know when their next meal will be. The food pantry allows for students to not to have to worry about where their next meal will be coming from and provides them with the help they need.
“A lot of our students experience food insecurity, meaning they don’t know where their next meal is going to come from. The food pantry allows our students to take food home, which is especially important for weekends,” Activities Director Morgan Schmidt said.
The food pantry team is composed of counselors, the 300 club, and teachers who are willing to help. Many teachers say that they decided to help because they enjoy helping students in need and want to see students thrive.
“The program was already here when I started at PC High six years ago. I gladly joined the pantry team when I started because I love helping students,” counselor Stephanie Boykin said.
Not only do teachers and counselors help, but the 300 club plays a big role in how the food pantry operates. The 300 club helps the pantry run smoothly and makes sure that everything is organized and ready for students’ use.
“For our kids it is a good job training. You might see kids like us as adults in Walmart stocking the shelves or something. So it is good practice for our kids to be able to experience,” Special Education teacher Ms. Kohen said.
