Local school turns snack shelf into pantry to serve families in need

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - One Yuma elementary school is doing more than teaching lessons. It's helping families survive.

At O.C. Johnson Elementary, classrooms aren't the only place where learning and support happen.

Thanks to a growing pantry program, the school is now serving dozens of local families.

What started as a small shelf of snacks for students, has now grown into a full-scale pantry, serving families throughout the community. For Principal Angela Logan, the goal is simple: Meet families where they are with what they need.

"We made it easy. We know some families need to get to the food bank to get food so transportation is a barrier sometimes so why not bring that here to make it easy for them to get some," said Principal Logan.

Families can stop by during school hours or attend the monthly food distribution on campus.

For parents like Edna Torres, the pantry has made all the difference.

"I'm very thankful they have this program here available for us because it helps out a lot. Especially for me, I'm a single mom of a child, so I try to do this as much as I can," said Torres.

For others, it's the simpler things that make all the difference

I asked a student named Jasper, "What's you favorite part about this?"

"Um...the cereal," replied Jasper

When efforts first began, it started off slow, but overtime, it's grown into something bigger.

"I remember the first one was a little slow. We were like, 'Okay, are they gonna come?' And now, an average were well over 50 households that are coming to each distribution," said Mallory Edgar, Yuma Community Food Bank Agencies and Program Manager.

"What we're looking to do is expand from non-perishable items to fruit, veggies, and milk. You know, the basic necessities that every family needs," said Principal Logan.

O.C. Johnson recognizes many students depend on school for meals, so they will be keeping their doors open this summer to continue to provide food for families in need.