When kids come to school hungry, there’s not a lot of learning going on in their lives. Riverhead School District aims to tackle that problem head-on with food pantries at two of its elementary schools.
In its effort to ensure that families in need are well-nourished and that the children come to school well fed and ready to learn, the Riverhead Central School District successfully inaugurated its second food pantry on Sept. 28 at the Roanoke Avenue Elementary School.
The new mobile school pantry, which is made possible through the assistance of Long Island Cares, dispenses a variety of free goods, including nonperishable food, fresh produce, frozen meats, as well as coats during the winter and books. It also includes an educational component where families can gather information about health care and other services available to them.
Riverhead Schools Superintendent Dr. Aurelia Henriquez said she realizes the need for the services the pantries provide. “As a mother and educator, I understand the importance of ensuring that all children have the nutrition they need for their well-being,” she said. “That is why I am pleased to have the opportunity to assist in bringing the Long Island Cares mobile school pantry to our Riverhead families. Our local families will now have more access to numerous healthy foods and also the opportunity to learn about other services available to them.”
Long Island Cares CEO Paule Pachter said he’s grateful for the opportunity in the new partnership with Riverhead schools. “Our staff at the regional food bank are dedicated to reaching as many children as possible that are in need of emergency food through this program,” Pachter said.
The new program continues the school district’s mission to assist its families in need. For the past several years, Phillips Avenue Elementary School has been providing needed food to families through its own food pantry, located at the school. The Phillips Avenue pantry, like the new Roanoke pantry, is open on a monthly basis.
Source: Press release issued by Riverhead Central School District dated Oct. 3, 2017.
The survival of local journalism depends on your support.
We are a small family-owned operation. You rely on us to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Just a few dollars can help us continue to bring this important service to our community.
Support RiverheadLOCAL today.