In addition to offering free or discounted breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the CREC Academy of Science and Innovation, students now have access to meals outside of class hours.
New Britain schools have opened the doors of the first food pantry available to grades 6-12 whenever they need it.
“Many children need help, but they are reluctant to talk about it openly.”
It is a problem that many people still suffer in silence. According to Feeding America, 1 in 10 of her in Connecticut is food insecure.
Connecticut Foodshare President and CEO Jason Jakubowski said: “We are nearing the end of summer, which is the most difficult time of the year for children facing food insecurity.”
To address this issue, CREC Academy Family Community Engagement Specialist Elizabeth Wilson contacted Stop & Shop.
“What we saw, especially during the holidays, were families in many spaces who were primarily asking for food rather than gifts. I wanted to find something that was sustainable,” Wilson said.
Thanks to a $5,000 grant from a grocery store chain, New Britain schools now have shelves full of groceries and perishables such as groceries and meat. He is also one of 140 Stop & Shop School Pantries in schools, colleges and universities in northern New England.
“We are really excited to reach out to students and their families with any recommendations and actually serve our first family after this ribbon-cutting event,” said Wilson. rice field.
With the help of donations from Stop & Shop, the new program will provide food to New Britain students and their families in need.
CREC Academy’s newly created food pantry is designed to make a big impact in the community by supporting not only students, but their families as well.
Maura O’Brien, Stop & Shop’s external communications manager, said: .
Many students say they are proud that their school offers this resource.
“Personally, I’m blessed with food stamps and such, but I think this is very beneficial for me as well because the school provides it,” said Desarae.
CREC Academy Senior Enialex Castaner said:
Schools interested in creating a food pantry can apply here. For a list of food pantries near you, visit ctfoodshare.org or call United Way 211.