Teacher creates food pantry to support students facing food insecurity
By Alyse Jones
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — An Oklahoma teacher is making her classroom a safe space for students in more ways than one.
As the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is just days away from freezing on Nov. 1, Morgan Schmidt, a leadership teacher at Putnam City High School in Oklahoma, is addressing food insecurity by transforming her classroom into a food pantry for students.
Schmidt initially provided hygiene products like soap, deodorant and feminine products to her students. For the teacher, creating a shame-free space to help meet students’ needs has been a goal for years.
“It’s right by the door, so they don’t have to say a word to me. They can just walk in, grab what they need and go,” Schmidt said.
Now, Schmidt is expanding her efforts to include food, creating a pantry where students can take what they need without feeling embarrassed.
“It’s scary to ask for help, and sometimes it can be embarrassing, and they’re kids. They don’t deserve to be hungry,” she said.
Putnam City Schools has food pantries in every high school, accessible to elementary and middle school students, as well. The district also offers after-school snack and supper programs through counselors.
“A lot of our kids, they’re self-conscious of that. They’re embarrassed. They don’t want to look like the kid that needs help,” Schmidt said.
To address this, Schmidt created a pantry where students can come and go without questions.
She reached out on Facebook for donations and received nearly 200 items in less than 24 hours. Schmidt is encouraging students to spread the word about the Pirate Pantry to peers who might need a meal.
“If those SNAP benefits aren’t going to be available, teachers are going to take care of our kids. Yes, you might not be mine biologically, but you’re in my class. You’re in our school. You’re our kids,” Schmidt said.
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