By EMILY JOHNSON
The Bird’s Nest Food Pantry opened this month within the district’s school buildings to provide snacks, take-home food and hygiene products for students in need.
Middle school counselor Michelle Plegge said it is not just fulfilling the basic need for kids, but allowing them to feel connected and supported.
“We want students to feel safe here. We want them to feel supported and connected with their learning environment,” Plegge said. “It goes deeper than just giving them a snack.”
Word about the pantry is being passed along by sending out a form to all students and families if they are interested, having one-on-one conversations with parents and asking students if they need anything based on referrals from teachers.
Shanda Hurla, executive director of the Eudora Schools Foundation, said parents have a need for a resource like the pantry for their families.
“We want to help. Things can be really challenging, and we know that a lot of our families that take advantage of our resources do pass it along in the future,” Hurla said. “That is what we are about, that is what our community is about.”
The possibility of a food pantry was first discussed last year but put on pause in the spring due to the coronavirus pandemic. At the end of August, Atmos Energy reached out to the Eudora Schools Foundation wanting to help with a $5,000 donation to provide food security for students.
“We are very excited that Atmos Energy and Just Food was able to make this happen through our foundation,” Hurla said. “We are excited for possibilities of the future and fulfilling the need for our students so they can be successful at school.”
The future of The Bird’s Nest Food Pantry relies on sustainability. Students are already using the resource, so keeping inventory stocked is important.
“It is everything, it is a basic need,” Plegge said. “So, if those basic needs are not being met here in a learning environment, they are not going to be able to learn.”
Donations and opportunities to volunteer can be found on The Eudora Schools Foundation website.
Reach reporter Emily Johnson at eudoratimes@gmail.com.
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