Community Food Drive for WES Students
The Communities in School Program at Whiteville Elementary School (WES) is partnering with Whiteville businesses to collect items for their school pantry. The Communities in Schools program strives to improve attendance and student outcomes, provide support in academics, basic needs, college & career, family engagement, life skills, mental & physical health, and social emotional growth. This is the second year for this program at WES.
“Our pantry provides items to students and their families who are members of our community, who need assistance from time to time,” said Shannon Morin, the WES Program Manager for the Communities in School Program. The school’s pantry has expanded to include not only food items but school supplies, uniforms, and other items that go to students and families in the Whiteville area. “Prior to the holidays our pantry was used only a couple of times a month,” Morin said. “Since then we have seen an increase in the number of requests for pantry items, especially food items.”
Numerous studies have shown that students who eat regularly at breakfast and other meals perform better at school and have a more positive outlook on their academic life. Children who frequently skip meals are more likely to develop health conditions ranging from high blood sugar to an increased risk of heart disease. “Anything we can do to help our ensure children are being fed, being encouraged, and being present helps their school experience,” Morin said.
Morin, a Hardeman County native, taught 3 years at Milan Elementary School and 4 years at Bolivar Elementary School before moving over to the Communities in School program this year. “This program allows me the opportunities to work with students in different areas of their lives, and the program helps schools find ways to keep students interested in and involved with school and academics. I am also able to work with students one-on-one throughout the school year on issues such as social and emotional needs.” There are seven Communities in School programs in West Tennessee; five of them, including the one at WES, are in Hardeman County.
Donations for the WES Community Food Drive can be dropped off at CB & S Bank in Whiteville, the Lee Ola Roberts Library, Pinner’s Farm, Garden, & Sport, Rawhide Feed, or at the Tennessee College of Applied Technologies. Food items most needed are rice, ramen noodles, cereals, cereal bars, pasta, oatmeal, canned fruits or vegetables, peanut butter, granola bars, instant meals, and sandwich crackers.
The WES Community Food Drive will run through March 1. For more information, contact Morin at 731-203-0731 or at smorin@cistn.org