Beyond the Classroom: Branson High School opens food pantry

Opening a food pantry inside Branson High School had been one of Principal Dr. Sara Strohm's biggest goals. This summer, that vision became a reality.

 

Located on the lower level of the high school, The Harbor is a food pantry equipped with a commercial freezer, refrigerator, and shelves. The pantry, stocked with essentials such as frozen chicken, ground meat, milk, eggs, cheese, pasta, cereal, and other staple items, is made possible through Together for Kids, a partnership between the Silver Dollar City Foundation and Care to Learn, and managed by the Branson Care to Learn Chapter.

 

"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 any teacher or staff member.  Staff can quickly connect students with the pantry which reduces barriers and any possible delays in getting the students what they need. Strohm knows, however, many students may be reluctant to ask for help.

 

Shortly after the school year began, a conversation with a student revealed the student’s family was facing financial hardship, which was weighing heavy on the student. Strohm took the student to The Harbor, where the student filled a bag with groceries and left knowing she could provide dinner for her family.

 

"It has already been a powerful tool," Strohm said.

 

In addition to food, the pantry is stocked with paper products and school supplies.

 

“This meets basic needs,” she said, adding that there are no income verification guidelines and no requirements on the students to earn what they receive in the pantry. “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.”

 

Looking ahead, Strohm plans to open the pantry to families twice a week during evening hours, as well as during parent-teacher conferences and select home games.

 

The resource will also serve families throughout the district. When staff members at other Branson schools identify a need, they can coordinate with the high school to provide food assistance. Thanks to student groups like JROTC, Strohm has plenty of help keeping the shelves stocked.

 

Care to Learn is a nonprofit dedicated to partnering with 60+ Missouri school districts and community members to meet children’s emergent health, hunger, and hygiene needs so they can succeed in school.

 

Founded in 1996, the Silver Dollar City Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Silver Dollar City Parks and Resorts. The Foundation works through local schools to help children and families in our community.