<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0D0UiJ_0wQ0Kyb800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0D0UiJ_0wQ0Kyb800" width="1280" height="853" ></figure>In a new effort to support families facing food insecurity, the Governor Mifflin School District has launched the Mifflin Market, a monthly food distribution pantry in partnership with Helping Harvest. The initiative, spearheaded by school district social workers Jennifer Hoffa and Ashley Berg, aims to provide local families with access to fresh, nutritious food, including produce, dairy, and meat.Mifflin Market stands out as the first school-operated food pantry in Berks County, offering a model that Hoffa and Berg hope will inspire similar initiatives across the region. Hoffa explained, “We were really looking to focus on meeting the needs of our students and families here in the Governor Mifflin School District. So we are the first school district in the county that’s operating the mobile market. It’ll occur once a month, filling the gap when families may run out of other assistance.”The October 28 distribution, held at the district’s tennis courts on Philadelphia Ave (Route 724), drew volunteers from the Governor Mifflin High School Varsity Boys Soccer Team. According to Hoffa, featuring a different student group each month not only provides needed manpower but also instills a sense of community responsibility among students. “As much as we access resources in the community, it’s important for our students to know the importance of giving back,” she added.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2OZwTU_0wQ0Kyb800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2OZwTU_0wQ0Kyb800" width="1280" height="853" ></figure>The Mifflin Market serves as an extension of the district’s partnership with Helping Harvest, which already provides “weekender bags” filled with food essentials for students. While the weekender bags help students through weekends, the Mifflin Market offers a broader selection that can support entire families, addressing a wider range of needs. “We’re hoping to continue this program and possibly help pilot similar efforts for other districts in the area as well,” Hoffa shared.In addition to offering nutritious food, the initiative also connects families with essential resources, including assistance with medical aid, housing, and utilities. For those who may not reside within the district, the team provides information on other local food pantries and resources. Hoffa emphasized the focus on accessibility, saying, “We want to serve as many families as we possibly can, so we make sure to spread the word through social media, emails, and community outreach.”Ashley Berg highlighted the efforts to reduce any stigma around seeking assistance, reinforcing a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. “No one is checking your income or what car you drive. If you need the food, come and take it,” Berg said. For families without transportation, the district has made arrangements to ensure they can still access the resources provided by the Mifflin Market.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1IvdgW_0wQ0Kyb800" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1IvdgW_0wQ0Kyb800" width="1280" height="853" ></figure>Reflecting on the success of the first distribution day, Berg shared her gratitude for the teamwork involved. “It does take a lot of time to get this together, but I think it went very smoothly. Everyone was so thankful, and it was really nice to see people coming together,” she said, adding that the students seemed to enjoy the experience as well.For Hoffa and Berg, this project is about more than just providing food—it’s about ensuring that students can focus on learning without the distraction of hunger. “We know our students aren’t able to learn if they’re hungry. Meeting those basic needs so they can focus academically is what we’re aiming for,” Hoffa noted.Through the Mifflin Market, the Governor Mifflin School District is setting an example of how community collaboration and proactive support can make a real difference in the lives of families, helping to ensure that children are well-fed and ready to succeed in the classroom.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Governor Mifflin’s new Mifflin Market brings vital support to local families

In a new effort to support families facing food insecurity, the Governor Mifflin School District has launched the Mifflin Market, a monthly food distribution pantry in partnership with Helping Harvest. The initiative, spearheaded by school district social workers Jennifer Hoffa and Ashley Berg, aims to provide local families with access to fresh, nutritious food, including produce, dairy, and meat.