School and Community Generosity Opens Two New Food Pantries

Backpack Beginnings to open pantries at

Northeast High and Ragsdale High

"Greensboro, N.C. – Two schools will come off Backpack Beginning’s waiting list, thanks to the involvement and generosity of school communities throughout Guilford County.

In February, GCS challenged schools, families and the community to donate food to Backpack Beginnings to allow the organization to open new food pantries in Guilford County Schools. So far, more than 9,000 pounds of food have been donated, allowing the organization to open pantries at Northeast High and Ragsdale High.

“It’s no secret that when students are hungry they have more trouble learning,” says Charlos Banks, executive director of student services and character development. “Thanks to the work of our school communities, fewer students will have to worry about what they are going to eat for dinner or over the weekend.”

Last year, a Gallup Poll ranked the Greensboro-High Point area as number one in the country for food insecurity, and GCS has made a pledge to take the issue head-on through service-learning projects.

“Even students who don’t have to worry about where their next meal will come from benefit from these projects,” explains Banks. “Organizing and volunteering at the food banks give them vital skills like communication and teamwork that we know employers want to see more of in potential employees. It also teaches our students the importance of giving back and that they can make a positive difference in this world.”

You can read GCS’ pledge to fight food insecurity by clicking here.

Schools continue to organize food drives and collect funds and food for Backpack Beginnings in order to get even more schools off the waiting list. GCS’ Character Development office says it looks forward to working with other community organizations, including Out of the Garden, to help feed students during the summer months."

- A Press Release