Weekly free food locker opened at GHS
This week’s offerings for the free food locker at GHS
December 13, 2019
For many kids who utilize Gloucester Public Schools’ Free and Reduced Lunch Program, food insecurity exists beyond the walls of Gloucester High. However, the school’s new project hopes to provide extra support to students who may need it at home.
Today, Friday, December 13th, Gloucester High School launched its latest initiative: The Free Food Locker. In collaboration with the Open Door Food Pantry, Gloucester High School’s Health Center (a member of Addison Gilbert Hospital/Beth Israel Lahey Health), has made this program available to all students who already qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch. The “Food Locker” is meant to offer non-perishables for students to bring home to their families, not to feed the students during school.
“We are very grateful for the unwavering support of this project from: GHS Principal – James Cook, our manager at Beth Israel Lahey – Cindy Donaldson, Kevin Brisson and Jen Perry of Open Door,” said Health and Wellness Coordinator Karen Hurst.
Initially the GHS Free Food Locker will be open on Fridays during both lunches in Room 1409, or by appointment set up through the GHS Health Ctr.- Rm 1214. Each eligible student will be able to take home one of each type of food item either in their backpack or in a paper bag supplied by Open Door.
The health center will be keeping track of the number of students who will be using the FFL for Open Door. If possible, we will collect student last names, addresses, and if they are existing clients of Open Door. Providing this information is voluntary until Feb 29, 2020. Referrals are not required to participate; students may self refer.
Food deliveries are expected to come in each Monday from the Open Door Food Pantry. For their first delivery, they received approximately one case (24 each) of 14 food items. This food inventory will change according to Open Door’s inventory and availability.
The hopes of the Health Center Team moving forward is that this new program will prove to be a valuable asset to Gloucester High Students, and that students will begin to utilize this new resource on the path to achieving food security.
Ms. Linqusta • Dec 17, 2019 at 11:36 am
This is a fantastic idea! Everyone needs a little help from time to time! This program enables and empowers students to help their homes and families. Great article Autumn, so happy to see your talents being showcased!
donna Soodalter-Toman • Dec 14, 2019 at 8:59 am
This is excellent! Congrats! Should do it everywhere. No one should be hungry, ever!
Lisa Wheeler • Dec 13, 2019 at 11:43 pm
I would love to donate at least once a month to this wonderful program!
Richard Muth • Dec 13, 2019 at 9:55 pm
A truly awesome idea and program, another example of how Gloucester is a family!