Principal’s Pantries in Jordan District schools helping hungry students

SALT LAKE CITY — As schools in the Jordan School District open, so do the district’s Principal’s Pantries which help students who don’t have enough food at home.

They’re an important part of school for many students.  Officials say having access to the pantries gives kids the boost they need to learn. 

“There are students in need throughout our district, and it would surprise you sometimes when we talk with parents … and businesses asking for help,” said Anthony Godfrey, the superintendent of Jordan School District. 

Principal’s Pantries, serving a continuing need

The pantries aren’t new. For the last several years, schools in the Jordan District have been equipped with a Principal’s Pantry. Kids can go to the principal’s office throughout the day for snacks, according to Jordan Education Foundation Director Mike Haynes. 

“[In] these little snack packs, we’ve got like granola bars and chips and fruit chews in them,” said Haynes. 

According to the Jordan Education Foundation, seven percent of students in the district lack access to adequate nutrition on the weekend. That’s about 4,000 students according to the Jordan Education Foundation.

So some students take small meals home for the weekend.

Before the pantries, teachers and office staff used their own money to keep food and snacks on hand for hungry children. The Principal’s Pantry assures there is plenty of food on hand.  

The community can donate individual pantry items as well as snack packs and weekend packs. There’s more information on the Jordan Education Foundation’s website. 

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