ANTON ISD OPENS FOOD PANTRY TO HELP STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

A new pantry at Anton ISD is putting food closer to students and families through a partnership with the South Plains Food Bank.

School counselor Alicia Ball told KCBD she recognized the need after seeing teachers buy food for students with their own money. What began as a request for basic supplies grew into a delivery of 2 pallets of food.

The pantry now includes drinks, cereal and meals families can take home for weekends, extending support beyond the school cafeteria.

Joe Contreras, the food bank’s senior director of programs, said 25.1% of students in Hockley County experience food insecurity. Across the organization’s 19 county service area, he said more than 32,000 students face hunger.

Anton became the second school pantry established through the partnership, following a recent opening in Seagraves.

The effort addresses a concern Ball said reaches beyond grades: hunger affects students’ behavior and their ability to participate in school.

Community coverage sponsored by System X Technologies.

Help support independent local coverage by liking, commenting and sharing The806er.

Photo Via KCBD