Lorain Schools Transform Food Aid Through School Resource Rooms

Each time the team at Garfield Elementary School receives an email notification from their resource room's online ordering system, they know it's a quiet signal for help. Behind that digital ping are hungry bellies in need of food, and at Garfield, the resource room stands ready to serve, offering families hope in the form of home-cooked meals.

 

As Second Harvest Food Bank adjusts its distribution methods, Lorain City Schools is expanding its on-site resource rooms and food pantries. This district-wide effort aims to support families within spaces they already find comfortable and familiar.

 

Food insecurity is a growing concern for many families. According to Second Harvest, 72,330 people experienced food insecurity in its four-county service area in 2022. More families are visiting food pantries, and those who purchase groceries are spending more of their income on food. The amount of money needed to be food-secure has reached its highest level in 20 years, according to Feeding America.

 

The final mobile food pantry distribution at Lorain High School will be on October 17, 2024. However, Second Harvest will continue to offer monthly mobile pantry distributions at other locations in Lorain, including Oakwood Park and Black River Landing. It will also continue to support district monthly food pantry boxes, the Longfellow Mobile Pantry, and school pantries at Washington, Garfield, and Hawthorne Elementary schools.

 

Whether through resource rooms, mobile pantries, or community partnerships, Lorain Schools is committed to ensuring students and families receive the help they need.

 

Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Graham expressed gratitude for Second Harvest's longstanding support while highlighting the district's broader approach to family assistance. 

 

"We're incredibly thankful for Second Harvest's partnership over the years," Dr. Graham shared. "Their support has been invaluable. At the same time, we want our families to know that we're committed to working with a wide range of community partners to ensure comprehensive support. Our goal is to create a network of resources that meets the diverse needs of our students and families."

 

Dr. Graham said that the district's strategy involves collaboration with multiple organizations. 

 

"By working with various partners, we can offer a more robust support system," he added. "Whether it's food assistance, academic support, or other services, we're dedicated to connecting our families with the resources they need to thrive."

 

At Garfield Elementary, Principal John Monteleone said he has seen significant success with their resource room and food pantry.

 

"Since opening, we've served approximately 5 to 10 families each week, totaling around 40 families a month," Monteleone said.

 

The resource room, which opened in November 2023, offers more than just food.

 

"We include hygiene products and household items that families can't easily get from other sources," Monteleone said. "Families can place orders weekly, without having to wait for monthly distributions or visit multiple sites."

 

Inspired by Garfield's success, Washington Elementary will open its own resource room on November 1. Principal Jessica Dugan sees it as a way to address similar needs in her school community.

 

"We want to be of service to our families and eliminate any obstacles they may face," Dugan said. "Our families have asked for assistance with food items, hygiene items, clothing, and other household items."

 

Both principals credit Second Harvest as a key partner, along with other community organizations like the Wee Care Closet, House of Praise International Church, American Legion Post 30, El Centro, and United Way.

 

"Second Harvest has been essential to this endeavor," Dugan said. "They are providing most of our food and household items and have also provided us with use of their inventory and ordering systems."

 

The school-based pantry model offers unique advantages. 

 

"The most consistent feedback we've received is the appreciation for the discreetness of the process," Monteleone noted. This sentiment is echoed in Washington's approach.

 

"We are grateful that our families trust us enough to let us know when they need assistance," Dugan said. "We don't want there to be any barriers to getting our kids to school and ready to learn."

 

Both schools see the resource rooms as more than just food distribution centers.

 

"We feel strongly that the resource room will strengthen our ability to partner with our families in their child's education," Dugan said. "We believe that schools should be community hubs, and we intend to make Washington just that."