DCPS to start food pantry program in schools with Cargill grant

Daviess County Public Schools is preparing to create food pantries at each school in the district, with Assistant Superintendent Caleb York saying the intent is for Family Youth Resource Service Center coordinators to start purchasing food next week.

The district announced Wednesday it had received a $54,000 grant from Cargill Grain Inc. to start the pantries.

York, assistant superintendent for human services, said officials learned about the grant from a DCPS employee with a relative who works for Cargill. Cargill purchased Owensboro Grain in 2022.

"I know they are very focused on supporting the community," York said.

The district has several initiatives related to address students with food insecurity, such as the weekend food backpacks and summer feeding program. The district also offers free breakfast and lunch at elementary and middle schools through a program where the U.S. Department of Agriculture reimburses the district for much of the cost of the meals.

The weekend backpack program "doesn't meet the need for families that have an immediate need," York said.

The Family Youth Resource Service Center coordinators will fill requests for food assistance, either from the pantries, or by purchasing food at local grocery stores, York said.

"Our motto is bridges over barriers," York said, and that the FYRSC coordinators are "about building bridges, so we can get over the barriers that keep students and families from finding success."

By purchasing food through local stores, the centers will be able to provide items such as fruits, vegetables and whole foods, York said.

Addressing food needs for students and their families will help students academically, he said.

"One of the first things you learn going through education classes is 'Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs,' a motivational theory that states basic human needs for food, shelter, safety must be met before a person can focus on higher-level needs like relationships, accomplishments and achieving personal potential," York said. "It's very important those basic needs are met.

"When I spoke to the (Cargill) reps about our grant, (they said), 'the individuals we employ are part of your schools, and it's all about: How do we give back to the community we live in?' "

When families make requests for assistance or are referred to a school food pantry by staff, the Family Resource coordinators will also help them connect with community resources, such as food pantries and other food programs, York said.

"We are so blessed in Daviess County, with so many resources," York said.