For three years, Stevenson Elementary School has been providing for their community outside of the regular school day.
Under the leadership of Family Support Specialist Christine Tarango, the Stallion community has a food pantry in the cafeteria. Once a month, in conjunction with a grant from Target, and a partnership with United Food Bank, Stevenson families are able to come to the school, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and choose about 30 pounds of food from a market-style format.
“The families are lining up when school is dismissed in order to receive this service,” Principal Kathy Ray stated. Stevenson loves how this brings their community together.
Each student in the family, not the parent, chooses all the food from the selections of fresh fruit and veggies, canned goods, protein items and healthy snacks. At the end of the line, Principal Ray is waiting to thank them for being a part of this community-building service. In addition, each child receives a voucher, for a gallon of milk, from Bashas’ food stores or Food City. As one kindergartener said, “Mrs. Ray, this is better than trick or treating.”
Maintaining healthy bodies and minds is essential to learning. The food pantry is another way Stevenson Elementary School is making sure their families receive what they need to succeed in school.
For more information about Stevenson Elementary School, or the food pantry, call (480) 472-9000.