School board hears about Pirate Pantry, local food partnership and $45,000 community foundation grant

District and community presenters told the school board about the Pirate Pantry’s operations and a partnership with Joe Davies Local Foods that brings fresh produce and other items to families. Heidi O’Shea and Cindy Techmeier described the Pirate Pantry, which began in February 2018 and now operates monthly (third Tuesday, 5–6 p.m.) out of the primary school kitchen; teachers may also access items for students as needed. “We’ve been sustaining all these years with that grant from those original monies plus very generous individual donations,” O’Shea said. Sydney, who identified herself as a coordinator with Joe Davies Local Foods, said the group began with a small grant in 2020 and used a 2024 federal grant to expand into neighboring counties. She told the board the program delivered about $719,000 worth of food in just over a year and that Joe Davies Local Foods is working under a new $45,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Northwest Illinois to continue local pantry support. She asked the district to help increase visibility for pantry events via the district website, social media and newsletters so the pantry can reduce stigma and reach more families. Board members and administrators expressed support and said they would work with pantry organizers to publicize events and explore joint outreach at school activities.