Photo by Max Dearinger

Joseph Jenkins, 10, cuts out a poster to use for the upcoming food pantry. Student Council works with the community to raise money and collect canned goods.

After receiving an email about the government shutdown from a parent, Mr. Dedric Williams decided that Student Council should reopen the food pantry to provide extra support for students with financial hardship.

“I think it is important to have the food pantry because, based on our socioeconomic makeup and the needs of some of our families, there are those who simply cannot make ends meet,” Mr. Williams said.

The pantry will function on donations from community members, similar to the previous pantry. There have been emails sent out, as well as social media posts to the community. Donations can be sent to Mr. Williams room in E-B101, and those donations will be used to purchase items to support families. Those who need assistance can request help using the QR code that is included in the Broncos in the Know. Mr. Williams also emailed the link out to all students and guardians.

“Things happened pretty quickly and are continuing to happen,” Mr. Williams said. “We are grateful for where we are, but even more excited about the potential of what it can become.”

Junior Class President Cristina Barron Chavez contributed to the pantry by donating canned foods like corn and green beans. Items that can be donated include canned goods, personal hygiene products, new/gently used clothes, socks and underwear (new), etc. 

“I think the food pantry is important because it helps students who don’t have consistent access to food or other essentials at home by being able to help provide at least the minimum with comfort and privacy at school,” Barron Chavez said.

Many students don’t have consistent access to food, toiletries and essentials and 46.8% of students on campus fall under economically disadvantaged, which means a student comes from a low-income family.  

“This relates to the mission of the student council because it’s all about leadership, service, helping others and advocating for the needs of students,” Barron Chavez said. “By reopening the food pantry, StuCo is taking action to create a caring school environment, not by just planning events but by making a real difference in students’ lives.”

The mission of Student Council focuses on celebrating, inspiring and positively impacting our campus and community. They recognize and highlight all the great things happening at Legacy while bringing awareness to the efforts of students, faculty and staff. Student Council also advocates for the student body by listening to concerns and working with administrators toward fair solutions. Additionally, they raise awareness about important issues that affect students, helping promote positive choices and avoid harmful situations.

“The pantry is beneficial in that it will help with the basic physiological needs of our community stakeholders and our students and their families,” Mr. Williams said. “Kids can’t learn when their basic needs aren’t met. We just want to aid in that process.”

Abraham Maslow created Maslow’s Hierarchy in 1943, a triangle made up of five needs starting with physiological needs, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem and finally self-actualization. Maslow argued that survival needs must be satisfied before individual needs. This food pantry will support students’ physiological needs by providing essential items like food, drinks, clothing, shelter, etc.  

“I hope the outcome of the food pantry is that students and families feel supported and comfortable enough to ask for help when they need it,” Barron Chavez said. “I also hope it encourages a stronger community at school where students can look out for one another and understand the importance of giving back.”

There are many benefits of having a food pantry. For example, food pantries assist students and families in need. This allows parents to save money that they would have spent on groceries or any meal and it also encourages healthy eating habits. Other resources that support students in need, such as the Mansfield Mission, which provides groceries and toiletries for MISD residents. 

“I don’t have a personal connection to the pantry, but I am definitely emotionally invested because I believe it is an amazing opportunity for us to take care of our own,” Mr. Williams said. “I sincerely hope that more people will donate and help in this effort.”