Teague Food Pantry

Teague Middle School Pantry - From Survival to Sustainability

The Journey: Humble Roots to High Impact

In 2020, at the beginning of COVID the Teague Food pantry was modest. Supported single-handedly by the dedicated and now-retired Ms Phillips, a small partnership with the “Love Pantry” and a $5,000 "Angel" donation held the program together during those early, fragile days.

Today, what was once an emergency resource has matured into a robust, multi-pillar program supported by the entire community. This growth was made possible through a deep, collaborative partnership between school social worker Ms. Ortiz, PTSA Outreach Chair Abby O’Connor, and a committed volunteer committee; constantly exchanging ideas and supporting each other through coordination and logistical challenges to ensure no student's basic needs are a barrier to their success.

The Foundation: Community Support & Volunteerism

The program’s growth and stability are a direct result of a unified community effort:

• Volunteer Dedication: Consistent support from parents and volunteers is the heartbeat of the program, especially during high-demand events like the monthly Fresh Market.
• Leadership & Staff Synergy: Strong backing from Dr. Collins and staff members like Miss Lambert and facilities manager Mr. Johnson.
• Business Community Partners: Several local businesses in the surrounding area host holiday giving tree drives and respond to needs requests throughout the year, directly supporting families in their community.
• A "Family" Culture: The initiative has fostered a profound sense of "family" among staff and participants, creating a compassionate environment where everyone works toward a common goal.

Major Milestone: Reducing Stigma & Providing Aid

Beyond the physical distribution of food and clothing, the program has achieved a critical social milestone: the significant reduction of stigma regarding food assistance.

The driving purpose to create an environment where individuals are not afraid to say, "I need help" has been realized. Students now feel comfortable and empowered to accept help or take extra food for their families without shame. By removing these emotional barriers, the Teague Pantry and PTSA Outreach program ensures every student is seen, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Teague Middle School Pantry History/Evolution 2020-2026

Impact at a Glance

• Expanded Services: Now includes the Monthly Fresh Market, 2 annual Pack the Pantry drives (reaching a record 1,477 items in a single event: Spring of 2026), and a modest closet for clothing, school uniforms and professional attire.
• Tiger’s Care Support: Marks its 4th year of sponsoring field trips, instrument rentals, and competition fees to ensure every student can participate in the full middle school experience.16
• Strategic Partnerships: Sustained by grants from the Second Harvest Food Bank and supported by local "Community Pantry Champions" including local businesses. As well
• as neighboring schools who partner to redistribute pantry resources across our network of SCPS school pantries in the regional area.

Alignment with PTA’s Purpose

Teague’s school pantry and PTSA’s Outreach program partnership the living embodiment of the PTA’s mission to promote the welfare of children and youth in every facet of their lives.