Students help community with food distribution

To support community members struggling to purchase groceries, the food pantry hosts the drive-through food distribution program, held on the first Thursday of every month.

You can find the DV food distribution at the freshman entrance. The most recent event took place on Nov 6. That distribution happened during the 43-day government shutdown, where people lost access to SNAP benefits. Due to high demand, volunteers ran out of canned goods and were unable to provide food for all families who attended.

“We served 222 community members in just 40 minutes, and we ran out of food instantly,” said Eleyna Cavalli counselor and sponsor of the food pantry.

Anyone can donate to the school’s food pantry. Recommended items include canned foods, can openers, cooking oil, and other nonperishables. 

“A year ago, we served over a thousand people; the year before that, it was higher because I had way more donations and supplies. Then, it was around 1,200 people,” Cavalli said. “Right now, we are on track to pass those numbers with how many people we served last (distribution).”

With the help of Cavalli and others, event coordinator and senior Maricela Montanez began assisting with the food distribution last year. Montanez recommends anyone considering volunteering to give it a chance.  Volunteering counts for school service hours and community service.

“Show up for three days, and if it's not your thing, then you don't have to continue it, but you never know until you try it,” Montanez said. “Don’t let fear get in the way of something you truly love.”

The food distribution receives its supplies through fundraising and donations. Cavalli, like Montanez, encourages more students to join.

“I will always recommend the food pantry to students with anxiety, depression, ED, and mental disorders to help others because you help yourself too,” Cavalli said. “I think you help find yourself by helping to find others.”

In the food distribution program, student volunteers serve as food runners, moving back and forth from inside to outside to gather and deliver items. Others prepare bags or take orders from families to customize their orders. 

“We always ask how many people are in their family and if they have any allergies. I started asking if they have any kids under the age of five,” Cavalli said. “If we have a family bigger than four, we add more food to those bags.”