Now that summer is here, some school-aged children will not have school meals to depend on, but Fort Worth’s Kirkpatrick Middle School is helping to feed students, and their families with Northside Eats food pantry.
The pantry has been three years in the making and is made possible with a partnership with the North Texas Food Bank and donations from the nonprofit organization Community Meals.
Northside Eats, named after the area where the grocery-style pantry is located, offers fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, cereal, and milk.
At the pantry’s front door, shoppers are greeted by a bright mural painted by Kirkpatrick and Texas Christian University art students. Students assisted in installing shelving systems, unpacking items, and stocking pantry shelves. The food pantry operation will be led by a student organization next year.
“We wanted to create a safe place where families could get the essentials to support their families. And, for families to know that we not only care for their children’s education but their entire well-being,” Kirkpatrick Middle School Principal Jeffrey Bartolotta said in a press release. “Now, we hope that this idea spreads to other campuses within the district so that we can help many other families.”
Those who want to shop for free food can register once using an onsite QR code through the Tarrant Area Food Bank program. Families who have registered can return to the store during business hours by showing their issued cards.
Northside Eats is located in the basement at Kirkpatrick Middle School at 3201 Refugio Ave. The pantry is open three days a week during the summer months: Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m., and Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m. To learn more, contact Kirkpatrick Middle School at 817-814-4200.