NORTH VERNON — Jennings County High School teachers Tracy Martin and Marisa Patterson co-operate the Panther Pantry. The pantry provides food and hygiene items for those less fortunate in the community. Martin shared the history of the pantry, and explained how it works.
Q: When was the pantry started?
A: “The pantry was developed from the backpack program at the elementary schools, and is sponsored by Gleaner’s Food Bank of Indiana. As Gleaner’s realized a tremendous need existed within the community as well as the high schools, pilot programs for the school-based pantries emerged. While it opened in April 2013, we started investigating the possibility of a food pantry as early as 2011. This entailed finding a location within our building and getting school board approval, obtaining the proper certification, supplies, and inspection necessary to be in full operational mode. After meetings with Gleaner’s Food Bank of Indiana, and after having obtained training in food ordering as well as food handling, and with the cooperation and support of the community, we opened our doors in April 2013.”
Q: What is the purpose of the pantry?
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A: “The purpose of the pantry is to serve our students and their immediate families by offering food as well as hygiene items.”
What is the schedule of the pantry?
A: “Once a month, the third Thursday of each month, during the school year.”
Q: Who is the pantry available to?
A: “Any member of the JCHS school community and their immediate family.”
Q: How many families has the pantry served?
A.) “We usually average 15-30 families per month. Many are families that visit the pantry every month; some only visit once, it really does vary. Typically, we serve around 20. However, students can take advantage of the pantry during the school day should an emergency need arise. The guidance and attendance offices, too, have been instrumental in helping us identify and/or helping students in need.”
Q: How does the pantry impact the community?
A: “We feel that if a student comes to school hungry, he or she will not be able to focus and ultimately reach their potential and achieve their goals. No student should go home or return to school hungry. Furthermore, when students go out into the community and see that we’ve helped them, they’re more apt to pay it forward. For example, last spring, Mr. Howard Jones, along with the JCHS Wrestling Team sponsored a fundraiser on behalf of the Panther Pantry and donated half of the proceeds to the pantry.”
