CINCINNATI — One elementary school has opened its doors to feed the community in addition to the students who attend the school.
Hartwell School initially sent snacks and food home with students over weekends to make sure the children didn't go hungry. Now, with the help of the Freestore Foodbank, the school is offering complete meals to families in the community.
Antwan Lewis, principal of Hartwell School, estimates they serve between 35 and 40 families a month through the pantry.
"It just feels really good to be able to provide this for our families so they know we can feed them, they have a safe place to come," Lewis said. "Now the academics will take care of themselves because they have everything that they need."
The pantry is open the first and third Wednesday each month from 3-5 p.m. The demand is high so the pantry does run out of food, but no one is turned away and pantry workers will help find a way to get people what they need.
There's a new food pantry in Hartwell. We're live with how to get assistance out here and at 50 other schools across the Tri-State. No, you don't have to have students in school to qualify! @WCPO pic.twitter.com/QiXavg8wpH
— Ally Kraemer (@AllyKraemer) December 30, 2020
