As food insecurity rises both locally and nationally, North students and staff came together this November to support families in need through a school-wide food drive benefiting the Newton Food Pantry.
The Human Rights Council, Next Gen Voices club, and Student Government jointly organized the drive, collecting nonperishable, shelf-stable food items throughout the month. Donation boxes were placed outside the Main Office and house offices, making participation accessible to the entire school community.
“It’s been amazing and inspiring to see the amount of food being delivered and donated to the pantry,” said Aimee Lambert, the Newton Food Pantry’s client and volunteer engagement manager.
According to senior Amani Arunga, an officer of Next Gen Voices, recent federal cutbacks to food assistance programs helped spark the collaboration among North organizations.
From Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, the federal government underwent a shutdown that temporarily disrupted funding for several agencies, including operations tied to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Although SNAP benefits have since been restored, Lambert said many families are still feeling the effects of that interruption.
“Two weeks ago, we had a record 397 families come and shop at the pantry,” Lambert said. “Typically, we’re around 320 to 330, so it was a pretty significant increase.”
Rising food prices have also contributed to growing need, according to Claudia Wu, co-founder and co-director of the Center for Civic Engagement and Service.
“Things have gotten more expensive, and we probably have to be prepared that food is going to continue to be expensive,” Wu said. “We haven’t seen any signs of that slowing down.”
Despite these challenges, Arunga said Newton’s relative affluence allows the community to mobilize support for those struggling.
“Not every community has the resources to assist their fellow citizens the way that Newton does,” she said.
Lambert noted that the holiday season often inspires generosity, but emphasized that hunger is not limited to November and December.
“I would love for the community to be aware that hunger is 12 months a year,” Lambert said. “People are struggling in February and March and July and August, too.”
Wu echoed that sentiment, stressing the broader implications of food insecurity for students and families alike.
“Students need sustenance and food to learn, to grow, and to be healthy,” Wu said. “Food insecurity isn’t intermittent — it’s constant, and addressing it has to be a priority.”
