food pantry

by Kori Washington

For some students, getting through the school day isn’t just about worrying about grades and homework. They may worry about their next meal or if they even have decent clothes to wear the next day.

That’s where JHS Connor’s Closet and Food Pantry comes in, giving students the resources they need and minimizing some of their stress.

Though the school has offered these resources for many years, many students still don’t know they are available.

“I wish more students could have access to it. We tried to start a Google Form last year, where students could send in the food they needed, but not many students knew,” said food pantry sponsor Michelle Houchin.

Food pantry sponsor Michelle Houchin makes sure the pantry is well stocked during a sixth-hour inspection. The pantry serves all JHS students. Photo by Gabrielle Watkins.

For families facing financial challenges, these resources can give support when everyday necessities become hard to afford.

“If families face hardships and can’t afford clothes, this is an opportunity to help our students and their families. And the same goes for the food pantry, especially with prices going up; we just don’t ever want kids or their families to go hungry,” said principal Pam Hall.

But for many staff members, providing these resources isn’t just about feeding and clothing them; it’s about seeing the difference they can make in their lives when they just give them a little help.

“The most rewarding part is seeing the families that we helped supply food for a month or two while parents got back up on their feet come back and are usually the first to give back,” said Hall.

While having these resources can make a big difference for families having financial issues, not having them can affect students beyond their lives at home.

“Students may not have the time or resources to purchase items or receive basic needs. This closet can help alleviate daily stress, anxiety, or the uncertainty of challenges that present themselves without having to leave school,” said Connor’s Closet sponsor Jennifer Mitchell.

But having these resources doesn’t mean that students always feel comfortable asking for them. Some may feel ashamed or embarrassed, but the staff is here to make it as discreet and as comfortable as possible.

Food pantry sponsor Michelle Houchin stocks the shelves with ramen noodles and peanut butter. Photo by Gabrielle Watkins.

“I know a face-to-face conversation might be difficult for a lot of students. So they could email a trusted teacher or somebody that they have a connection with. Teachers are not going to judge you for not having access to food,” said Houchin.

These resources do more than just provide students and families with food and clothing — they help take away challenges that can make it hard for students to focus on school.

“If you’re hungry, you want to be able to concentrate. It can make you tired and can make you grouchy. It makes it even harder to be a student when you don’t have access to food or clean clothes,” said Houchin.

While these resources have already made a difference in many student’s lives, Hall plans to add more resources to give students even more support.

“One thing I would love for us to open is a laundromat here on campus that students could use sometimes. I would love to get that up and running because, you know, laundry is expensive, and not everybody’s home has a working washer and dryer,” said Hall.

21 Sep 202621 Sep 2026 by jhshyphen

by Areli Hernandez

Due to SNAP benefits being delayed in November following the government shut down, the JHS Food Pantry provides resources for students and families in need.

Special Education teacher Michelle Houchin, who has been assisting the food pantry, has noticed the impact on students over the years.

“We started this around three years ago on a small basis. People would come if they needed something quick for breakfast who were unable to get breakfast in the morning or at home. It really ramped up within the past year because we noticed so many students were going without food,” Houchin said.

To assist students, Houchin along with staff members, work together to provide items for the pantry.

“Teachers donate stuff all the time and then I usually keep it filled up. The counselors and I, if we see or hear of a student needing food, one of us will make an arrangement to pull a kid and let them pick some things that they need,” Houchin said.

To ensure privacy, staff members take measures that allow students to feel comfortable when visiting the pantry.

“We pull them when we know there’s not going to be other people in here and then we just have them leave the food in their 7th period teachers class or trusted person. That way they can swing back and leave school with no questions from other students.”

Furthermore, counselors have created a Google form that was sent to all students as a way to communicate about basic necessities.

“We know there are students with needs that may not be comfortable coming up and saying something. The Google form that we sent out is more anonymous,” she said.

Houchin is moved by the impact of the food pantry and hopes for students to feel welcomed. She also encourages many to contribute to the pantry later during the season.

“We will always need supplies, we will always need donations, and that it is open for any student that needs help. We don’t want any students to be hungry and not be able to focus.”

Being able to contribute to the food pantry has been an accomplishment for Houchin and looks forward to helping more students.

“This makes me feel good. It’s my small part to help people be better,” she said.

Other Resources:

Students MUST be escorted by an adviser (all visits are done privately)

Food Pantry: mhouchin@gccschools.com

Connor’s Closet: ssoper@gccschools.com

Blessing Closet: mdensford@gccschools.com

Additional reporting by Tyler Conley.