The 2019-2020 Greene Co. Tech Intermediate School theme was “Kindness,” and the principal asked the school community to launch a theme-related student service project. So why “Perseverance?” Read on, and you’ll see.
In September 2019, 5th-grade Literacy/Social Studies Teacher, Beverly Porter, presented the mini pantry concept to her students, onboard immediately. But, Ms. Porter says, “I started to feel overwhelmed because I was going to have to talk to the Mayor or city council to get this approved. What if they didn’t approve it? My kids would be crushed.”
Undaunted, the stewards-to-be thought their school might be an ideal location. Ms. Porter, seeing a learning opportunity, asked for evidence. Four guests knowledgeable about area food insecurity visited with the kids, who also researched local food pantries—all on the opposite side of town, open specific hours, requiring ID and/or proof of address. At the school,100%.
In October 2019, the group put together a presentation and invited administrators. The assistant superintendent loved the idea and had many questions the students answered without hesitation. The superintendent, however, was not sold. (What about food tampering and vandalism?)
The week before Thanksgiving, still waiting for the go-ahead, the group visited a neighboring community’s high school campus Little Free Pantry. They took food to help stock, then toured the Northeast Arkansas Food Bank and Mission Outreach.
Soon after the visit at the administration’s request, Ms. Porter and a student shared their presentation at a school board meeting. The board loved it and told the presenters they need not worry about building cost; two board members would pay. The following day, the school principal posted about the effort on the school's Facebook page, local news wanted to conduct interviews, and parents from other classrooms wanted to help.
Again, the students presented to the high school agri and art teachers, who agreed to build their mini.
Then, COVID.
Then, perseverance, and in February 2021, this. And a second at the primary building.
Ms. Porter writes, “I have learned so much, and I believe my students have too. I always knew food insecurity was an issue, but you don’t realize how bad it is unless you are living in it every day.”
That Ms. Porter’s students learned about food insecurity is BIG. But they learned so much more.
Thanks to all who persevere when this “little” project becomes overwhelming. Thanks especially to Ms. Porter and Greene Co. Tech School District of Paragould, AR, and to all educators. This past year, you’ve taught all of us about care, grit, and rising strong despite overwhelmingly difficult circumstances.