Gateway students, volunteers recognized for backpack and pop-up pantry work

At the Gateway School District board meeting, volunteers and staff described a multi-year student-led effort that supplies weekend food through a weekly backpack program and monthly pop-up food pantries.

The recognition began with Mister Whelan (volunteer) and Miss Hoffner (school staff) describing student involvement in the district’s Champions School District initiative and the backpack program. A United Way representative said Gateway’s submission to the organization’s Champion School District initiative was one of the strongest received and presented a banner to the district.

Why it matters: Board members and staff said the program addresses food insecurity among Gateway families, involves a range of student groups and community partners, and has grown materially since it started.

Volunteers and staff said Interact and National Honor Society students regularly pack between about 70 and 90 bags each week for the backpack program. The pop-up food pantry, which provides fresh produce and frozen meats in addition to shelf-stable items, was described as expanding from servicing roughly 200 families to almost 800 families in recent years. Staff credited a partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and donations collected through the Monroeville Public Library and local houses of worship.

A United Way representative said, “Gateway did an absolutely fantastic job,” and described three required initiative elements — service projects, a fundraising effort and a video entry — noting Gateway’s submission included a strong video. Board members and staff said the district could not run the program without volunteers, school counselors who identify families in need, central administration support and community donations.

Board members and staff answered logistical questions on how the pantry and backpack supply chain operate. They said nonperishable items for backpacks are stocked through orders placed with the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank each month; pop-up pantries include fresh and frozen items donated by that food bank. Donations of cash are routed to Mister Zarreles (district staff) for the care of the food pantry. The high school also maintains clothing closets and partnered with Macy’s this year on a $2,000 grant to support coats and winter clothing distribution.

Program leaders described the volunteer base as primarily students (Interact, NHS) with additional parent and community volunteers. Presenters said students report emotional benefits from volunteering and that families who use the service often return regularly.

Board members and the presenters encouraged continued community support and noted the district will share information on how residents can donate or volunteer.

Ending: The board accepted the recognition and presentation; no formal action or budget appropriation for the program was recorded at the meeting.