Murdock High School has opened the “Food and Clothing Pantry” for students at the school. The program, overseen by Assistant Principal Megan Weeks, has been in the works since January of last year. Ms. Weeks came to Winchendon after thirteen years at South Community High School in Worcester which has a similar program.

The Food and Clothing Pantry is run by students in the Life Skills Study Program. The students do all the work; washing, folding, stocking, and so on. Ms. Weeks stated the school is about 50% high needs and her wish is that students be able to come to school and only need to “worry about learning.” The school offers clothing for students to come choose from if needed, and also food for them to take home so they always have nutritious food to prepare for themselves and their family. Both programs offer students some relief from worrying about food and clothing. The pantry items are taken home by students in a provided backpack so there is no feeling of stigma or awkwardness for the student.

The program was started with a $500 donation from The Angel Fund, $100 from The Rotary Club and $100 from an anonymous donor; this $700 in seed money got the pantry going. Students, staff and the community have contributed by donating food and clothing. The program is seeking additional donations of food and clothing, hopefully from local businesses and the community. They also need donations of new socks and underwear. Donations of laundry detergent have been appreciated, as clothing is washed at the school in machines that were also donated to the program. According to Ms. Weeks they would eventually like to extend use of the machines to students also, as this would alleviate another source of stress for students.

A food and clothing drive is being held this month at the school. There is a competition for donations going on, and the advisor with the most donations wins a pizza party and naming rights! The program has not been officially named yet, so...stay tuned!