HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Food insecurity impacts numerous families, even in the heart of Howard County.
Within Atholton High School, a dedicated group of students operates a food pantry aimed at assisting local families. Launched in November 2023, the food pantry currently serves approximately 30 families per month, with the numbers steadily increasing.
Erin Bourque, the transition specialist at Atholton High School, shared, “We noticed many families from other schools requiring additional food support. Recognizing this need, we established the food pantry. Each month, the number of families seeking assistance grows due to the prevalence of hunger. Every individual deserves access to food. I receive daily emails from individuals in need.”
The school’s pupil personnel worker and social worker collaborate to identify families that could benefit from the food pantry and encourage others to utilize its services.
“I have extended the invitation to the entire school and local community. I have reached out to nearby churches to spread the word to families in need. Additionally, I share this information with neighboring elementary schools. It is essential to address hunger as it directly impacts the well-being of students. By providing this support, we aim to alleviate some of the challenges and stress faced by families,” Bourque explained.
The pantry stocks shelf-stable items such as rice, ramen noodles, prepared meals, cereal, oatmeal, canned fruits and vegetables, soup, condiments, baby essentials like diapers and wipes, as well as household items including toilet paper.
Visitors to the food pantry are not required to demonstrate proof of need. Support for the pantry primarily comes from food drives organized at the high school or through donations.
“We rely entirely on donations. Hence, every month, I reach out widely to seek contributions to replenish our shelves,” Bourque emphasized.
Beyond its vital community role, the food pantry provides students with the opportunity to manage its operations and assist others.
“I have structured our food pantry to offer valuable work experience for students with significant disabilities within our school. Students enrolled in our academic life skills program oversee the pantry operations, organizing similar items, checking expiration dates, and handling incoming shipments. They also engage in various tasks within the pantry, such as stocking shelves and front-facing products. The students play a crucial role in preparing distribution boxes. This simulated grocery store environment enables our students to develop job-related skills that may be transferable to real-world employment opportunities. The impact of meaningful work on our students has been profound,” Bourque shared.