A high school in Syracuse, New York, is stepping up to support families in need during the holiday season. Corcoran High School, located at 919 Glenwood Ave, has initiated a food drive aimed at collecting non-perishable food items until November 21, 2023. This initiative comes in response to the pause in food stamp benefits affecting many families due to a government shutdown.
Vice Principal Amorie Green expressed the school’s commitment to ensuring that students can focus on their education without the added stress of food insecurity. In an email communication with syracuse.com | The Post-Standard, Green emphasized, “Our goal is to ensure that students can focus on their education and success and not where their next meal will come from.”
The idea for the food drive originated from a staff member who recognized that numerous students rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Currently, SNAP funds are frozen, creating uncertainty for families that depend on this assistance. Although a judge has mandated that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) partially fund SNAP benefits, the specifics remain unclear.
Students have reportedly expressed concerns about their food security, particularly with Thanksgiving approaching. Some have asked staff if food would be available for them to take home, highlighting the urgent need for support.
Collection Details and Accepted Items
Corcoran High School is seeking donations of items such as microwave rice, pop-tab cans, instant mashed potatoes, seasonings, and boxed pasta. They prefer non-perishable foods that do not require additional ingredients like eggs or milk for preparation. In addition, the school is open to receiving gift cards to assist with food purchases.
As Thanksgiving nears, there is potential for the school to accept perishable items, including turkeys and other holiday staples, towards the end of November. Green noted that those interested in donating refrigerated goods should reach out for guidance.
Food donations can be dropped off at the school’s front office. For inquiries or to schedule a specific drop-off time, donors can contact Green at [email protected]. Parents will have the opportunity to sign up for food assistance, with distribution planned before the Thanksgiving break.
“Our focus is on working with very vulnerable groups of students,” Green stated. “We wanted to do something before kids get sent off to Thanksgiving break.”
For families in need of immediate assistance, syracuse.com has compiled a list of local food pantries to provide additional resources. The collaborative effort at Corcoran High School exemplifies a community coming together to ensure that no student goes hungry during this critical time.
