Transforming Lives: How Foxconn’s Generous Food Donation is Elevating Lordstown Elementary School

Foxconn employee Corine Eastham loads a cart with food items donated to the Lordstown Elementary School food pantry. Photo by R. Michael Semple

On a recent Tuesday in Lordstown, Foxconn EV Systems made a generous gift of food items worth $2,000 to the local elementary school. This donation aims to help students who may not have enough to eat over the weekends.

Foxconn employees delivered two large carts full of food to the school’s pantry, which fills backpacks for students every Thursday. Olivia Bundy, one of the volunteers from Foxconn, shared how the donation was inspired by the school’s backpack program. She mentioned that they took guidance from school officials on what items were needed and sourced them from Sam’s Club.

“It’s a great program that ensures kids have food at home,” she said. Foxconn plans to contribute to this cause twice a year, showing a solid commitment to the community.

John Ritter, a key figure at Foxconn, emphasized that this donation is just the beginning. They aim to be active partners in Lordstown and beyond. “This will not be a one-time thing. Expect more donations in April,” he stated.

Deanna Meese, the elementary school’s guidance counselor and pantry coordinator, shared more about the program. Each week, about 47 to 50 students—roughly 25% of the school—receive bags filled with easy-to-prepare food items, including fruit snacks and macaroni and cheese cups.

“What Foxconn has done is simply amazing. Their ongoing support will make a big difference for our kids,” Meese said, expressing her gratitude.

Superintendent Greg Bonamase echoed this sentiment, thanking Foxconn for becoming a valuable community partner. Local churches also support the backpack initiative.

Beyond food donations, Foxconn is preparing to assist with housing in Lordstown through Habitat for Humanity, aiming to raise $30,000 this year for local projects.

This initiative reflects Foxconn’s larger goal of becoming more integrated into the community, not just as a business but as a caring member of the Lordstown area.