Nov. 19, 2025- Intermediate South is establishing the Seminole Pantry to provide students with access to nutritious food and essential supplies, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed academically and socially.

"This initiative aligns with our commitment to equity and student well-being," said Int. South teacher Amy Ross, who is helping to lead the project and who applied for Confidence Closet grant funding from Ocean County Youth Services Commission (OCYSC) to boost the pantry's impact.

"Students experiencing food insecurity often face difficulties such as reduced concentration, increased absenteeism, and lower academic performance," Ross wrote in the application on behalf of a student population with a 43-percent rate of eligibility for free and/or reduced meals. "These challenges can be particularly pronounced among students with disabilities and multilingual learners, who may already require additional support."

The school received notice earlier this month it had been selected for $4k in funding, and its Pantry Club is already hard at work painting walls and stocking shelves.

The establishment of the Seminole Pantry will be a true team, ALL-IN effort. Administrators, counselors, students, and custodial staff are creating the space; health teachers will raise awareness and provide education about pantry services; meetings will take place regularly to assess inventory and track usage; and the pantry will remain open during the summer's Extended School Year (ESY) program and, Ross hopes, as soon as Thanksgiving week.

"During the Thanksgiving season, the Interact Club holds a food drive," Ross said, "and our intention is that our identified families will have an opportunity to utilize the pantry at this time as well."

As for the grant — which has supported several district pantries over the past several years — Intermediate South plans to purchase a refrigerator, storage items, drawstring bags, and hygiene supplies with the funding. And while those essentials may not arrive until spring, the Seminole Pantry plans to already be off and running with all of the supplies, resources, and donations it can muster.

Because it's never too soon to have an impact, and right now is the perfect time to give thanks by giving back.