One Town, One School, One Family.
Robertson County, the smallest county in Kentucky, is home to 2,207 people. “We are a small community with the biggest hearts” is how Staci Johnson describes the area. As the Family Resource Youth Services Center (FRYSC) Coordinator for Robertson County School, she works closely with families who are experiencing challenging times and has seen firsthand the good that comes when neighbors help each other.
Their district educates K-12th grade students in one building. Staci works with a team of educators and social workers to ensure that children and families have access to the nutrition they need. The Food Bank has partnered with the school since 2017 as the primary source of food for their pantry. We also supply items for their backpack program, which has been a great success.
The school pantry is open year-round. According to Staci, working directly in schools to address food gaps is important because they are equipped to recognize and assist those who are experiencing difficulties quickly and confidentially. “The [food pantry and backpack program] allows relief to parents who are struggling and provides students with extra weekend snacks, so they have food when they are not in school.”
The FRYSC in Robertson County sees the need. And they see hope. Like the time they took extra steps to make sure a single mother without transportation had a holiday meal for her family. The FRYSC’s efforts not only brought immediate assistance, but also cultivated a relationship. When her financial situation changed, this person began giving back to the program, became a friend, and now serves on the school’s FRYSC Advisory Council.
God’s Pantry Food Bank is grateful to work with schools across Central and Eastern Kentucky. Our commitment is strong because we know that when our neighbors are fed, especially our youth, great things happen. Staci and her team at Robertson County School also know this, and we are thankful to have them in our network of neighbors helping neighbors to reduce food insecurity.
