Sheffield-Sheffield Lake Schools begin mobile food pantry

SHEFFIELD LAKE — Joining several other Lorain County school districts, Sheffield-Sheffield Lake Schools started a Second Harvest of North Central Ohio food pantry Monday. People lined up at Forestlawn Elementary School to receive food items including fresh produce, meats, canned goods and other items. Andrew Smith, a school social worker who is coordinating the program with Second Harvest, said the food pantry approached the district about starting the food pantry. Second Harvest identified a need in the Sheffield-Sheffield Lake area. "The response from the community and the staff has been fantastic," Smith said. "It's been rewarding to see." Forestlawn was chosen due to its proximity to residential areas. The school is within walking distance for many people. Smith said they tried to do a lot of work around educating people who may not be connected to the school system because they can use the food pantry as well. The district will hold one food pantry per month at Forestlawn. Smith said they also wanted to educate the community around what's available at the food pantry and who all can take advantage of it. It's more than canned items, but also fresh meats, fruits, vegetables and bread. People who use the food pantry must be income eligible, bring a photo ID and bring bags, although some bags are available for people to use. However, Smith said people do not need to bring pay stubs or tax forms. Volunteers from the school district also helped out at the food pantry, and so did students. Smith said the students who worked Monday were varsity wrestling students and next month will feature a different group of students. "The students are pretty excited about giving back to the community," he said. Clearview, Elyria, Lorain, Midview schools and the Educational Service Center of Lorain County all offer mobile food pantries in those districts as well. The pantry in Sheffield Lake is scheduled to take place Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 17, April 21, May 12, June 16, July 14 and Aug. 11. Contact Laina Yost at 329-7121 or lyost@chroniclet.com. Follow her on Twitter @MissLainaMae.