How Washoe County School Food Pantries Are Alleviating Hunger Amid Soaring Costs

As the cost of living rises, food pantries in Washoe County schools are making a big difference for families. Glenn Duncan Elementary School is one of 41 schools in the district with a food pantry. Every Friday, students and their families can pick up groceries.

Principal Ryan Smith shared how positive the pantry has been for the school. “On food pantry Fridays, there’s a sense of relief among students and parents. It really lifts spirits,” he said.

Maria Bernal, a mother who uses the pantry, added, “It helps ease some of our grocery expenses. We can get essentials like eggs, milk, and cereal. It’s one less worry for us.”

The pantry is managed by Communities in Schools in partnership with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. Together, they provide important items like food and warm clothing. Smith believes these resources help students focus better in class. “When kids are less worried about their basic needs, they can learn and thrive,” he explained.

More than half of the students at Glenn Duncan regularly use the pantry. CeCe Tucker from Communities in Schools mentioned that the pantry acts like a community hub. It not only supports Glenn Duncan students but also their siblings who may not have access to free lunch. “The pantry helps families by providing meals that contribute to dinner at home and breakfast before school,” Tucker said.

The Food Bank of Northern Nevada supplies all the food for these pantries, with nine of them operated in cooperation with Communities in Schools.