Feeding Hungry Students: Brashear High's Inspiring Food Pantry Initiative

In the heart of Pittsburgh, a remarkable initiative is underway at Brashear High School, where teachers Chrissy Wolski and Megan Perfetti have taken it upon themselves to address the pressing issue of food insecurity among their students. Through the establishment of a well-stocked food pantry, they are ensuring that no child goes hungry, providing a safe and comfortable environment for those in need to access essential resources.

Nourishing the Future, One Student at a Time

Addressing the Pressing Need for Food Security

Brashear High School, a diverse institution with students hailing from over 40 different countries, has become a beacon of hope for those facing food insecurity. With current research indicating that one in six children in the Pittsburgh area are food insecure, the need for initiatives like this has never been more pressing. Recognizing the critical role that proper nutrition plays in a child's development and well-being, Wolski and Perfetti, both physical education teachers, knew they had to take action.Within weeks of identifying the need, the Brashear food pantry was up and running, offering a wide array of canned, boxed, frozen, and refrigerated goods, as well as fresh produce and baked items. The pantry's open-door policy ensures that no student is turned away, with Wolski emphasizing, "We turn no one away." This inclusive approach has led to a remarkable growth in the program, with the number of students served increasing from 40 to 160 out of the nearly 1,000 enrolled at the school.

Fostering a Stigma-Free Environment

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Brashear food pantry is the way it has fostered a stigma-free environment for students in need. Contrary to the common perception that food insecurity can be a source of shame, the Brashear community has embraced the initiative with open arms. As senior Vincent Lenger attests, "I've really never seen or heard anybody getting made fun of if they're less fortunate and need extra food at home. I've never heard it."This sentiment is echoed by fellow students, who describe the experience of visiting the pantry as one of excitement and pride. Sophomore Liliana Garcia shares, "I'll see kids in classes at the end of the day walking home with big bags and people will say 'What's that?' And they'll say 'Oh it's just from the food pantry' and they'll say 'OK. That's cool.' That's it." This level of acceptance and understanding has created a safe haven for students to access the resources they need without fear of judgment or stigma.

Fostering Healthy Eating Habits

The Brashear food pantry goes beyond simply providing sustenance; it also aims to promote healthy eating habits among its students. Wolski and Perfetti have implemented a simple rule: "If you take a snack, you need to take something healthy as well." This approach not only ensures that students are receiving nutritious options but also encourages them to explore and embrace healthier food choices.As Brashear freshman Vivien Raubaugh observes, "Most food pantries, when I think of one in my head, I think of a lot of canned food and stuff. And that's not as healthy as fresh produce. So I think it's great that they have this, and we have the option to get something healthier and something good instead of canned food or processed things." This emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients is a testament to the school's commitment to the overall well-being of its students.

A Community-Driven Effort

The success of the Brashear food pantry is a testament to the power of community collaboration. In addition to the support provided by the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the school has also received donations from local grocery stores and the generous contributions of a "food angel" – the mother of a Brashear student who heard about the initiative and wanted to help.The involvement of student volunteers in stocking and organizing the pantry further strengthens the sense of community ownership and investment. As senior Tamara Humphries eloquently states, "I think the idea of a food pantry is a big deal, especially because kids here don't really have all the support. And I think just supporting it and letting people know this is normal, and you can come here to get help."The Brashear food pantry stands as a shining example of how educators, students, and the broader community can come together to address the pressing issue of food insecurity. By creating a safe, welcoming, and stigma-free environment, Wolski, Perfetti, and their team are not only providing nourishment but also instilling a sense of dignity and empowerment in the lives of their students.