Parmenter Elementary School students recently partnered with the Franklin Food Pantry to learn about food insecurity and help those in need, according to a community announcement.
The school’s Character Education Council, comprised of fourth and fifth graders, recently visited the pantry to donate food and tour the facility. The visit aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding food insecurity by fostering understanding and empathy, according to Franklin Food Pantry Associate Director Laura Doherty.
“What’s truly powerful about this partnership is that it brings elementary-aged students into the pantry to witness firsthand the reality of food insecurity in their community,” Doherty said in a statement. “Not only does the partnership give students the opportunity to volunteer, but allows them to envision themselves shopping at the pantry and understand that accessing food assistance is nothing to be ashamed of — we’re a welcoming and safe community resource for all.”
The pantry, a nonprofit, relies on donations and volunteers to help alleviate food insecurity in Franklin, according to the announcement. Doherty emphasized the importance of getting children involved to spread awareness and encourage those in need to seek help.
“If children in our community are in need of healthy food, we want them to know that we are here with open arms and they should never be embarrassed about it,” she said. “Everyone needs help sometimes.”
Character Education Council selected as school role models
The Character Education Council members applied to join and were selected as role models for the school’s core values: caring, inclusion, respect, courage, leadership and effort. They meet during lunch and recess to plan and execute community service projects, according to fifth grade teacher and council adviser Michaela Geary.
“Throughout the year, we have planned different community service projects including Treats for Troops, a candy drive after Halloween for troops serving overseas; World Cancer Day, a fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund; the Winter Gear Drive, to benefit Cradles to Crayons; and the recent Food Drive for the Franklin Food Pantry,” she said in a statement.
For the food drive, students created posters, organized donations and loaded and unloaded the van. After the tour, they shared their experiences with the school and plan to speak about the trip at the next whole school meeting.
The partnership with the Franklin Food Pantry is one of many ways the community can support the organization. Donations, volunteering and hosting food drives are all encouraged to help those in need. Visit https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/ to learn how you can get involved.
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