In a significant community effort, local families in Chester, Pennsylvania, now have access to a food pantry established at Drexel Neumann Academy. This initiative was made possible through the collaboration with Kids Against Hunger United, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity.
Community Engagement and Student Involvement
The food pantry, built during the summer of 2023, is exclusively available to families of students enrolled at the academy. To enhance support for this vital resource, students have formed the Community Kindness Club, which aims to promote compassion and aid among their peers. “My favorite part about this is that I know that when I leave here, I will have something that people can remember and something to pass off,” said Tegan Williams-Gilbert, an 8th grade student. “It comes from a good place in your heart to think about others.”
Students from nearby institutions, including Villa Maria and Devon Prep, are also involved in maintaining the pantry. This collaboration not only provides essential support but also exemplifies how young individuals can make a positive impact on their community.
Mission and Impact of Kids Against Hunger United
Kids Against Hunger United operates with a mission to alleviate hunger through food sharing, advocacy, and community involvement. The organization emphasizes the importance of leadership, empathy, and kindness among young people. Founder and Executive Director Heather Griesser LaPierre stated, “Seeing that hunger could be your neighbor. Hunger doesn’t discriminate… Anybody could be struggling.”
The organization runs a large warehouse where meals are packaged and distributed within the community. This local chapter in Philadelphia is part of a broader initiative under the national umbrella of Kids Against Hunger, which seeks to combat food insecurity on a larger scale.
For those interested in supporting the pantry or learning more about the organization’s efforts, additional information can be found on their official website. This initiative not only addresses immediate food needs but also fosters a sense of community and responsibility among the youth of Chester.