Nearly one in five children in Broward County goes home hungry, part of a growing food insecurity crisis affecting families across South Florida.
This Women’s History Month, a local woman is being honored for taking on childhood hunger head-on, bringing fresh food directly to schools.
Zana Zein Wolland, founder of Mobile School Pantry, first experienced the reality of hunger when delivering Thanksgiving meals. What she saw that day changed her life and sparked a calling she couldn’t ignore.
“I left empowered to do something more than just fill a gap at a holiday,” Wolland recalls.
Her efforts led to the launch of the first Mobile School Pantry at Sterling Elementary in 2013, serving just 13 families. More than a decade later, she says the need remains urgent.
“Children can’t begin to learn, focus in school, or behave properly if they’re hungry,” she says. “Doing long math and reading takes a full tummy.”
Each pantry allows families to choose from 25 to 30 fresh fruits and vegetables. Today, the Mobile School Pantry feeds an incredible 1,200 to 1,500 families monthly across Broward County.
After helping fill thousands of empty bellies, Wolland is being celebrated this Women’s History Month through the Health Foundation of South Florida’s Inspiring Women of Health initiative.
Loreen Chant, president of the foundation, says the program highlights the vital role women play in healthcare.
“This initiative shines a light on people doing great work, creates an example for young women to follow, and celebrates the positive impact they have on their communities,” Chant says.
For Wolland, the honor is meaningful, but her mission remains clear: access to nutritious food isn’t just about feeding families—it’s about health, education, and opportunity.