Branson High School students facing food insecurity now have access to an on-campus pantry stocked with groceries, household necessities and school supplies.
The pantry, called The Harbor, opened on the lower level of the school this summer, according to a community announcement. Equipped with a commercial freezer, refrigerator and shelving, the pantry offers items including frozen chicken, ground meat, milk, eggs, cheese, pasta and cereal.
The effort is supported through Together for Kids, a partnership between Care to Learn and the Silver Dollar City Foundation, and is managed by the Branson Care to Learn Chapter.
Principal Sara Strohm said the project had been one of the school's top priorities.
"We have a lot of kids and families who are struggling,"
Strohm said. "If this is what helps get kids to school, then it’s perfect."
Students can access The Harbor by speaking with a teacher or staff member, who can connect them with the resource. Strohm said some students may be hesitant to seek help, but the pantry has already assisted families early in the school year.
Pantry designed to remove barriers for students
In addition to food, The Harbor provides paper products and school supplies.
“This meets basic needs,” Strohm said. “We have a lot of students who simply don’t have what they need and if we can lift some of that burden and ensure they have food to eat or the school supplies they need to be successful, then that is what we are going to do.”
There are no income verification requirements and students are not required to meet specific conditions in order to receive assistance.
District families also expected to benefit
Strohm said the next step is expanding access by opening the pantry to families during evening hours twice each week, as well as during parent-teacher conferences and selected home games.
The resource is also intended to support families throughout the Branson School District. When staff members at other district schools identify a need, they can coordinate with the high school to provide food assistance.
Student organizations, including JROTC, help keep the pantry stocked.
Care to Learn is a nonprofit that partners with more than 60 Missouri school districts and community members to address children's health, hunger and hygiene needs. The Silver Dollar City Foundation, founded in 1996, serves as the philanthropic arm of Silver Dollar City Parks and Resorts and works with local schools to assist children and families in the community.
This story was produced with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Food pantry opens at Branson High to support students and families
