Right before schools closed for Christmas Break this past December, Central High teacher Enrique Sanchez posted a sobering reminder on a local Facebook page. “The reality is that many students in our school district won’t have a turkey on the table or presents to wake up to on Christmas day. And especially now, with our second year dealing with this pandemic. The circumstances have gotten much worse for our kids. That’s the reality, unfortunately. I see it every day.”

This post prompted the team at We Share Hope to reach out to Sanchez to see how we could help. In early January, we met with Sanchez, and Pamela Robinson, Central High’s Senior Community Specialist. We learned that 80%

of Central High School’s student population is categorized as ‘economically disadvantaged.’ This classification means that students’ household incomes meet the criteria to qualify for free or reduced lunches. However, the need

extends past breakfast and lunch. “Even though students receive free or subsidized breakfasts and lunches, all too often we hear that they are not eating at night and on weekends.” Shared Robinson. “They come to school Monday morning ravenous.”

Our first official delivery to Central High’s shiny new food pantry occurred on February 17th and has followed every other Thursday since. Julie Hartshorn, Central High’s Restorative Justice Specialist and de facto food pantry

coordinator works closely with students to select the items that will help them bridge the night and weekend food gap. She welcomes between 65-100 students every week. Hartshorn works hard to create a welcoming environment that removes the stigma of food insecurity for students “I

tell them it’s just like shopping in a market, except it’s free!” Students transport their items in plastic Price-Rite bags, which also helps to normalize the experience. “It’s like they just stopped off at the store.” says Hartshorn.

This project has become the inspiration for We Share Hope’s new “Feed the Future” school-based food pantry initiative. We plan to launch four new pantries in other high-need schools throughout the state. “School-based food pantries make a lot of sense,” says Emily Crandell, We Share Hope’s Director of Programs, “schools are a trusted community resource, centrally located, and in close contact with families. Often, teachers and guidance

counselors know when there is need before a student asks for help. Providing a space where students can fill the night and weekend grocery gap means that they come to school well-nourished and ready to learn.”

As for Sanchez, he’s thrilled that a Facebook post has led to this result. “Social media has its benefits! If that post means my students can be a little less hungry, I am happy about that.”

Farewell to a Friend

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of long-time We Share Hope

volunteer, Carol Fournier, affectionately known by many as “The Jam Lady.” Carol cooked her way into our hearts by using donated fruits and veggies to create a delicious assortment of jams and jellies. She would then sell her jams and donate the proceeds to We Share Hope.

Before Covid, Carol could be found at Hope Market, strolling the aisles with a country basket filled with jams. She would chat with Hope Market guests, consult with them on their favorite flavors, and offer samples. “She was the nicest person,” remembers one Hope Market guest, “she made a visit to Hope Market feel really special.”

Once Covid kept Carol safe at home, she filled her time by increasing jam production. She would stop in during our quiet hours to restock jams and share samples of her latest creations with staff and volunteers. She had a knack for concocting creative flavors; carrot cake jam, pineapple

upside down jam, and Christmas Hope Jam (which tasted like Christmas in a jar!), were just some of her ‘out of the

box’ offerings. The Hope Market favorite, however, was Hot Pepper Jelly. Carol couldn’t make it fast enough!

This year, we selected Carol for We Share Hope’s first annual “Impact Award.” This award recognizes a company or individual who has made a deep and lasting impact on the organization. The award ceremony occurred during our Heroes of Hunger Breakfast on May 20th. Sadly, Carol passed away just a month before the breakfast, however we were able to present her with the award in a small home ceremony before she passed. Members of Carol’s family joined us at the breakfast to formally accept the

award where they received a standing ovation in Carol’s memory.

Carol’s family shared, “Although she is no longer with us, Carol would ask you all to spend time with your children and loved ones, hug them and tell them how much you love them; if you can, take a walk on the beach with them and take time to celebrate enduring friendships each and

every day. This is what she would wish for you.”

We will miss you Carol.