Stocking shelves and organizing donations is part of the weekly routine for Madison High School junior Marisol Wheeler. She’s one of many students in the Interact Club who donates her time to help run the food pantry on campus.
“I know as a teenager there’s not much I can do for the whole world,” said Wheeler. “So, we wanted to start small and try to make a difference in our community. I know I’m giving back every day that I come here.”
Madison’s food pantry has much more than canned goods, granolas bars, cereal and other nonperishable items. It’s expanded to include personal hygiene products and clothes. Everything in the pantry is donated, and Family Specialist Veronica Villegas says it wouldn’t be possible without Madison’s generous community members, students and staff.
“Teaching the kids, as well as the parents, how to give back has been amazing,” said Villegas. “I think the support and the open-mindedness of the staff and the administration has opened up so many opportunities.”
Madison Baptist Hill Church, the Northeast Rotary Club and the San Antonio Food Bank play a vital role in keeping the pantry stocked. Students, staff and parents have also made it a priority to give back, which gives students the option to stop by and grab a snack whenever they need it.
“It’s been good having the supplies and snacks to be able to connect with the students so they can come in and get what they need to be successful,” said Villegas. “It’s just a continuous loop of giving.”
For more information about the food pantry, contact Family Specialist Veronica Villegas for more information.
Email: vville@neisd.net
Phone number: 210-356-1414
