For many Arizona families, hunger is a quiet, persistent reality that often shows up where it hurts most – in the classroom. An estimated 1 in 5 children statewide lack reliable access to enough food, according to Feeding America. Locally, a new school pantry partnership between Extended Hands Food Bank and Fountain Hills Unified School District is working to make sure students have what they need to stay focused, healthy and ready to learn.
Through the partnership, Extended Hands is supporting McDowell Mountain Elementary School, Fountain Hills Middle School and Fountain Hills High School with easy-to-access food for students who arrive without a packed lunch or who have limited funds for school-prepared meals. The program officially launched at the start of the spring semester.
“This pantry is for kids and teens who need food during the school day or to get them through the weekend,” said Allyson Iverson-Cannon, executive director of Extended Hands Food Bank. “My hope is simple: No child should be hungry, and they deserve food that helps them focus and learn.”
