Washington Middle School officially launched its mobile pantry, serving 33 families from the Johnston City School District and extending vital support to community members in need. School staff and volunteers set up at the downtown pavilion on June 2nd, handing out bags filled with non-perishable food and hygiene items.
The mobile pantry offered an assortment of shelf-stable foods, including cans of fruits and vegetables, beans, soup, and evaporated milk. Plus, essential toiletries like towels, Clorox wipes, hairbrushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hand and body wipes, and deodorants.
This program is made possible through the Full-Service Community School (FSCS) grant, which purchased the initial supply of food and hygiene items for distribution. Washington Middle School's Full-Service Community School Coordinator, Ronda Koch, hopes the pantry will offer meaningful relief to families struggling with food insecurity.
“The Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) initiative is all about identifying and filling the needs of students and families, schools, and the community at large,” Koch says. “We know that many families in the Johnston City school district can benefit from food assistance, and the Washington Middle School FSCS team is here to help our community.”
According to Feeding America, more than 1.6 million people in Illinois are food insecure, including over 419,000 children. In Williamson County alone, 15% of children live in households without reliable access to food.
While some churches and organizations in Johnston City operate food pantries, this program is designed to supplement their efforts and support families who have barriers to attending traditional food banks.
Washington Middle School's Full-Service Community School Liaison, Megan Hearn, played a key role in organizing and launching the mobile pantry. She spent several weeks contacting local pantries to determine how Washington Middle School can fill the gap. Then, Hearn collaborated with Johnston City officials and business leaders to establish distribution sites throughout town, providing convenient access to all areas of the community.
“FSCS is helping bring food directly to people who need it most,” Hearn says. “By supporting the mobile pantry, we’re making sure no one has to go hungry just because they can’t get to a food bank. We’re showing up for our neighbors, right where they are. It brings food closer to people who may not be able to reach other pantries, and it adds more fresh and healthy options for families in need.”
With logistics in place, Hearn assembled a team of WMS students and staff to serve as pantry volunteers. They worked like an assembly line to fill the distribution bags with canned food and hygiene products. Some of these volunteers also participated in the first giveaway by loading distribution bags into vehicles.
Hearn is thankful for these volunteers who gave their time and believes this can be a positive learning experience for students about the importance of giving back.
“Their help means everything,” Hearn adds. “It shows that when we work together, we can care for our whole community. Their support brings hope and makes this program stronger.”
WMS Principal Mrs. Armes is a hands-on leader and strong supporter of this program. She worked alongside volunteers filling distribution bags and welcomed families during the event. For her, the benefits of this service go beyond what the eye can see.
“The new mobile food pantry is more than just a source of essential supplies – it’s a symbol of our commitment to supporting every family in our school district,” Mrs. Armes explains. “By bringing nutritious food and hygiene products directly into our community, we’re not only addressing immediate needs but also strengthening the bonds that connect our school, our families, and our community. “
The next distribution will take place on Monday, June 16th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Easy Coin Laundry (410 W. 11th Street).