Oklahoma Teacher Creates Safe Space for Students with Food Pantry Initiative

Oklahoma teacher Morgan Schmidt has made her classroom a safe space for students, addressing food insecurity by transforming it into a food pantry, known as the Pirate Pantry. With the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) set to freeze on November 1, Schmidt aims to provide a shame-free space for students to access food and hygiene products. This initiative builds on the district's existing food pantries in high schools and after-school snack and supper programs.

Key Takeaways:

• Morgan Schmidt, a leadership teacher at Putnam City High School, has created a food pantry in her classroom, known as the Pirate Pantry, to address food insecurity among students.
• The pantry provides a safe space for students to access food and hygiene products without feeling embarrassed or judged.
• Schmidt initially provided hygiene products to her students and has now expanded her efforts to include food, receiving nearly 200 donations in under 24 hours through a Facebook campaign.
• Putnam City Schools has existing food pantries in every high school, accessible to elementary and middle school students, as well as after-school snack and supper programs through counselors.
• The district's counselors provide additional support through these programs, acknowledging the importance of addressing food insecurity for students.

Statistics:

• SNAP benefits are set to freeze on November 1.
• Over 200 items were donated to the Pirate Pantry in less than 24 hours through a Facebook campaign.
• Putnam City Schools has food pantries in every high school, providing access to food and hygiene products for students.
• The district's food pantries serve elementary and middle school students, in addition to high school students.
• The Pirate Pantry is designed to be a shame-free space for students to access food and hygiene products.

Sources:

• CNN Wire, no date or publication date mentioned
• Alyse Jones (KOCO report)