by It’s distribution day at Wyoming Public Schools in Wyoming, Michigan, where students are lending a helping hand to support their community through the district’s mobile food pantry—a program that’s been making a difference for several years now.
Previously operating across three elementary schools, the pantry is now centralized at Wyoming High School, a move district leaders believe makes it easier for families to access vital support.
The food, generously provided by Feeding America, is sorted, packed, and distributed by high school students—turning an afternoon of volunteering into an opportunity for meaningful community impact.
“It just makes me feel good,” said junior Harmoni Green. “Giving back always makes you feel better than when you started—especially when you have the chance to help people around you.”
Classmate Leslie Villalobos shared how the process works: “Everybody kind of has their own job. We each put specific items into the boxes.”
For Vanessa Leos, it’s personal. “It’s just really nice to help out the community that helped me so much growing up. I’ve always lived here.”
According to Anna Rivera, the district’s support coordinator, the pantry is open to anyone in need. “We’ve had families from right here in the neighborhood and others traveling from outside the county—places like Sparta, Kentwood, and Cascade.”
The drive-thru-style food distribution starts at 4:30 p.m. every Tuesday, with families often lining up early. However, school officials kindly ask visitors to wait until after school dismisses at 2:00 p.m.
The program consistently serves over 100 families, and for students and staff alike, it’s more than a food pantry—it’s a testament to the power of community and compassion.
