A high school class at the Knox Learning Center in Mount Vernon is working to create an outdoor food pantry for residents on the city’s west side. The initiative, called the Little Food Pantry, was developed by students in Adrianna Trace’s life skills class.
“We have a life skills class at noon where we discuss our responsibilities as citizens. Sophomore Kayden Sowers recently suggested the creation of a permanent wooden box with unlocked doors to be placed near the entrance of our school,” Trace said.
“The students have begun a campaign for donations to stock the box – which we call the Little Food Pantry – with nonperishable food items and essentials such as gloves, socks and toiletries.”
The students plan to construct the pantry box themselves, estimating costs at $183, and aim to have it available after the start of next year. The pantry will be accessible around the clock.
The Knox Learning Center is operated by the Knox Educational Service Center and serves K-12 students who face challenges in traditional school settings. It is located in the former Mount Vernon West Elementary building.
ESC Superintendent Dr. Timm Mackley commented on how professionally the class approached their project: “The students developed a PowerPoint presentation to outline their plans and get permission to proceed. It was very well done and we are proud to support their efforts,” Mackley said.
Kayden Sowers noted that government programs often do not meet all needs for low-income families: “There’s always a need,” Sowers said. “Our food pantry will be based on ‘Take what you need; leave what you can.’”
Sophomore William Foote added, “Not everyone is financially stable,” he said. “Not everyone can afford things at a grocery store. And inflation makes it worse.”
To raise funds within their school, students are selling raffle tickets for themed baskets and will hold a food drive through the end of this year. They are asking for canned goods with easy-open tabs, packaged foods like oatmeal and Ramen noodles, as well as winter clothing items and toiletries.
Donations from community members can be left in a plastic tote at the West Vine Street entrance of the school; students will collect these each day after classes end.
“It is sometimes embarrassing for families to stand in line for assistance. We hope our food pantry will allow them to get what they need when they need it,” Trace said.
