Tyrone Middle School social worker Jade Jessurun was not alone in seeing a need to go the extra mile for students and their families.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After having conversations with Tyrone\u2019s principal, assistant principal and leadership team, it became clear that there was an opportunity to make a difference for the school\u2019s community.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Particularly, by opening an on-site food pantry.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAs we know, there is a rising cost of living and a lot of inflation, especially with groceries. So, we really just wanted to fill the gap,\u201d Jessurun said. \u201cWe wanted to kind of make a one-stop shop for parents so that they could bring their kids to school but also have the opportunity to receive groceries at no cost to them.\u201d \u00a0<\/p>\n
The Eagle\u2019s Fresh Market, which opened Dec. 4, is a collaboration with Feeding Tampa Bay and BayCare. It is open on Thursdays for families and Fridays for students.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Additionally, the pantry is available to staff on Fridays once students and families collect the items that they need. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have extensive research that shows that when kids are hungry, they are not able to focus. They lack developmental skills such as social and emotional skills,\u201d she explained. \u201cSo, we wanted to make sure that we did our part. They have breakfast and lunch here at school, but now they can also go home and continue having that access to food.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Donations are provided through partner Feeding Tampa Bay. The school receives a bi-weekly delivery.\u00a0<\/p>\n