BISMARCK, ND ( KXNET ) — The Minot Area Community Foundation (MACF) has granted $2,400 to help Central Middle School open a food pantry.

The grant is possible because of the MACF’s Arnold I. Besserud Fund, which is dedicated to serving food pantries and soup kitchens, along with other humanitarian needs.

The grant funding was designated to buy equipment such as shelving, a refrigerator and freezer, and cooler bags for food transport. The school started from the ground up by building the food pantry so they can support their students.

“We are so grateful to the Minot Area Community Foundation for making it possible to start our school year out with a fully functional pantry to help meet the needs of our students and families,” shared Shannon Ostrom, Dean of Students at Central Middle School. “It’s been so exciting and fulfilling to see this come together.”

Central Middle School serves several of Minot’s lower socioeconomic neighborhoods. According to the MACF, about 50% of families are at or below the poverty level.

“The ongoing pressure of inflation continues to drive food insecurity issues,” states Jason
Zimmerman, MACF President. “It is critical that we provide support to these efforts that make sure our developing youth have what they need to grow and be successful.”

The school pantry is stocked with grocery items that students get to take home each Friday, to ensure they have meals over the weekend. The pantry also offers snacks for students to eat while at school.

Currently, 16 students benefit from the weekly grocery program.

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