FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The home of the Eagles has a new spot on campus to welcome students and their families.<\/p>\n
“We’re pretty well stocked, but we want families to know what’s here,” El Capitan Middle School Principal Heather Martinez said.<\/p>\n
Martinez says the new food pantry carries shelf-stable items like pancake mix and pasta noodles.<\/p>\n
At the back of the facility is a clothing closet with new clothes and shoes.<\/p>\n
“We’re calling it ‘The Giving Pantry,” Martinez said.<\/p>\n
Student-painted storage containers aim to make the space warm and welcoming.<\/p>\n
The mural on the wall has the school’s mascot delivering food to students below.<\/p>\n
Martinez says leadership students have played an integral role in getting the pantry up and running, including cutting the ribbon at the school’s grand opening.<\/p>\n
With nearly 700 students on campus, Martinez says there are a variety of needs.<\/p>\n
“Our students are fortunate enough to come to school and be able to get two meals a day, but what about the third? What about the weekend? What about their families who may not have access to that? This gives them that stability that they may not have otherwise,” Martinez said.<\/p>\n
The food pantry is the second in the district.<\/p>\n
It’s supported by the Foundation for Central Schools.<\/p>\n
Executive Director Serena Dohi says more than 80% of students district-wide are socioeconomically disadvantaged and the need is growing.<\/p>\n
“This school year, we have seen a big increase in need. Especially after November, there was some changes in the economy and so since then we’ve seen at least a 100% increase,” Dohi said.<\/p>\n
With costs rising, Dohi says many times parents are stuck having to make tough financial decisions.<\/p>\n
“Often times, a parent may have to ask themselves, ‘Am I going to pay my utility bill or get my child a new pair of shoes?'” Dohi said.<\/p>\n
The pantry is open with fresh produce once a month.<\/p>\n
All visits are appointment based.<\/p>\n
Students are referred by teachers, administrators or other staff members.<\/p>\n
Families can also talk directly to their school’s family outreach liaison if they need support.<\/p>\n
Martinez says she hopes families take advantage of the new resource.<\/p>\n
“This is the second pantry we have in the district but we serve a different group on this side of the district, and so we want them to know their voices are heard and that these resources are for them,” Martinez said.<\/p>\n
Organizers are planning a listening session for the spring.<\/p>\n
They want to hear from the community about the best way to serve them.<\/p>\n
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