Superior Schools Food Pantry needs some help

The Superior Schools Food Pantry is seeking help to replenish its supply after some groceries are running low.

Food items currently needed are: hot cocoa, drinks, juice boxes etc., instant oatmeal packets, boxed scalloped potatoes (all types), pasta varieties, fruit cups (all types), canned chicken, crackers, granola bars, dried fruits, snacks, pudding cups…really anything that can be sent home with kiddos that isn’t too heavy or breakable.

"We are also now able to accept frozen items as well. Thank you for

your continued support of our mission that NO KID from our school district goes hungry…ever. We couldn’t do what we do without the amazing support of our community," said Dawn Bauer, Superior Schools Elementary Executive Secretary.

Items can be dropped off at Superior Elementary between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. every school day. For more information, please call 406-822-3600 extension 200.

Bauer and Superior Schools Superintendent Scott Kinney realized several years ago the seriousness of hungry students in the classroom.

It took a couple of years to research options and apply for grants but about four years ago, the Superior School Food Pantry opened for students and families that could use a helping hand.

Has the need for the food dropped or leveled off?

“No. We are going through more than ever before," Bauer said. "It’s the economy and the pandemic and anything else that has tripped up families and we do not see the need going away. That is why we used funds to plan for the future knowing this will be a continuing issue”, she said.

The funds Bauer is referring to are relief monies from COVID where the school system received $50,000 that had to be expensed in just a few weeks.

Non-perishable and dry goods were purchased but it wasn’t possible to purchase that quantity of food without the majority spoiling before it could be used.

So, Bauer and Kinney thought ahead and used some of the money to buy a huge metal Conex container to store stable and dry goods; this container is also shared with the school kitchen, as their role in keeping kids fed has put additional responsibility in their corner. 

A commercial food sealer was purchased, so that bulk items can be stored or frozen in single or family sizes, as well as a safer way to deliver cold or hot meals to all students in their classrooms each day, for both breakfasts and lunches. 

A walk-in freezer was purchased so that they will not have to walk through the kitchen and prep area several times a day for frozen commodity foods. Two large bins to hold the cardboard for recycling from all of the cases and packaging, to keep it from going to the landfill for their part of helping the local recycling program.

One bin is parked at each of the schools because the pantry covers pre-K through 12th grade.

She praised Chris Darlow, owner of Darlow’s Quality Foods in Superior, who delivered bags of food that customers had purchased/donated during an in-store promotion to help the Superior Schools Pantry.

Darlow has even said that when they have their upcoming annual canned food case-sale, customers who care to donate a case (canned vegetables, fruit, etc.) can leave it at the store and he will deliver them to the schools’ food pantry making it easy for everyone.

Recently, an anonymous donor gave the schools $1,000 in 10 gift certificates for $100 each to Darlows Quality Foods.

Bauer said that she and staff will be meeting to discuss which families could use these the most.

Amazon delivers directly to the front door of the school from people that have purchased online to donate to the pantry.

One of the largest suppliers is The Montana Food Bank Network out of Missoula where they bring pallets of milk, frozen meat, rice, juices, pancake mix, syrup, butter, chili, etc. when Bauer places an order. 

When available, she also procures additional food items like assorted produce boxes, apples, onions and potatoes which she gladly shares with the community, who has been so supportive in helping maintain the pantry for the kids. 

Some students are remaining remote attending school classes though zoom and some of them are the ones who could benefit from the food pantry. 

So, either the school busses deliver the boxes when transporting neighboring students, or the parents pick them up when they come by the school to drop off their children’s homework.

“None of our students should be hungry on our watch; we will get groceries to them somehow,” Bauer said.