Salem Pantry Works To Solve High School Student Hunger

SALEM, MA — The Salem Pantry and Salem High School are working to help curb or eliminate student hunger at the school through the weekly presence of the Pantry's mobile free grocery pantry "The Truck."

The Pantry brings fresh produce, dairy, snacks and non-perishable items to the school every week with students encouraged to take what they need for both themselves and their families.

"Working with Salem High School plays an important role in addressing food insecurity in Salem," said Mike Lilley, Director of Programs and Partnerships at The Salem Pantry. "Our goal is to ensure convenient access to food for anyone who may need it."

The Salem Pantry has deployed its new purchase The Truck to the school. Designed to resemble a farmer's market, the refrigerated truck provides what is intended to be a welcoming environment for students to comfortably approach and access needed resources.

"Partnering with the Salem Food Pantry is crucial for Salem High School as it addresses the immediate food needs of scholars and fosters a sense of community support, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning environment," Salem High CTE and Co-Op Director Mario Sousa said. "This collaboration not only enhances students' overall well-being but also exemplifies the school's commitment to social responsibility and collective welfare."

The Salem Pantry is also in active collaborations with Salem State University, The Salem Housing Authority, and The Salem Council on Aging, among other local organizations and support services.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of
Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations.

Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)