A new food pantry, started by a group of Paola FFA students worked hard this year to make sure none of their classmates went hungry. The pantry is called Panthers Helping Panthers. It was the idea of FFA student Hailey Hines and Eli Meyers when they realized there was a need for more food for students on weekends and extended breaks.
The collected non perishable food items and were able to store it at he high school. They also collected monetary donations to buy more food. The Community Service Project was a huge success, as they were able to collect $3,500 in donations. To help the cause, the sixth graders at Paola Middle School collected over 1,000 canned good and donated them to the cause.
The girls said the food pantry program is completely anonymous. Students can fill out a request form through the Counselor’s Office and bags of food are prepared and anonymously delivered. About 30 students took advantage of the program every week and the girls hope it grows next school year.
