Memphis, Tenn. — Memphis-Shelby County Schools teamed up with the Mid-South Food Bank on Monday, Oct. 12, to hand out groceries to families at Hillcrest High School as students began a week off for fall break.
The mobile food pantry drive-thru distribution started at 10 a.m. at the school, located at 4184 Graceland Drive, and provided groceries to more than 300 families. Families picked up boxes filled with kitchen staples, including eggs, fresh produce, bread, cereal and popcorn, along with treats such as limited-edition Oreo cookies.
District officials said the goal was to give families access to food while schools are closed. For some students, the meals served at school are a vital part of their daily nutrition, which makes a long break hard on households facing food insecurity.
The Monday event was the third community outreach effort the district held leading up to fall break. MSCS District 9 board member Joyce Dorse Coleman said the district sees its responsibility to students as reaching beyond the classroom, because some children rely on school for the only meals they get during the day. She said the partnership is a way to make sure children are not hungry while they are out of school.
Hillcrest’s principal said the event showed the district caring for the community throughout the school year, not only when classes are in session.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools is one of the largest employers in the city, and the fall break pause affects families across Shelby County. Students return to class after the break.
