October 2, 2023
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,
We are excited to announce that the Schenectady City School District is working with our community partners to provide better access to food resources for our students and families. Previously, our school district participated in the Weekend Backpack Program, which provided a backpack of food for identified elementary students for weekends throughout the school year. A shortfall of that program was that it only served the elementary-aged students, not their siblings or caregivers. We are proud to move to a more equitable model which supports the entire family. Below is a multi-tiered approach to how we will continue to provide food resources and support to the students and families of the Schenectady City School District.
Tier 1: School-Based Food Pantries at all 11 Elementary Schools
Students and caregivers can access the school-based food pantry by contacting the school's parent liaison. The school-based food pantry program will start early October.Tier 2: Mobile Food Pantries through Schenectady Inner City Ministry (SICM)
The mobile food pantries operate on a two-week schedule across the district. Anyone 18 and older can access this service. To access, please bring proof of address. If you need assistance with this, please contact your school's parent liaison, as they are able to assist in obtaining these documents. All mobile pantries take place from 1:45 - 2:45 p.m. The schedule is as follows:
Week 1 (starting 10/2/23):
Monday: Paige
Tuesday: Lincoln
Wednesday: Hamilton
Thursday: Van CorlaerWeek 2 (starting 10/9/23)
Monday: MLK
Tuesday: Keane
Wednesday: Pleasant Valley
Thursday: YatesTier 3: Access to the Food Pantries for the Capital District Resource Network.
Food and community resource guides are available at each school, on our website, and by going to https://thefoodpantries.org/. Online there is an interactive map to find resources in your immediate area, with location and operating hours. There are also navigators available to assist you finding the resources closest to you. Caregivers can contact a navigator Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. by calling 518-458-1167 ext. 1. For after hours assistance, you can call 211, a United Way program with information and assistance accessing emergency food, housing, clothing, and other help.
Thank you to the Regional Food bank of Northeastern New York, SICM, The Schenectady Foundation, MVP, Broadview Federal Credit Union, and Justice for Orphans/Care Portal, for their partnership to assist in providing these resources to our community.
If you have questions, please contact the Office of Innovation, Equity and Engagement at 518-370-8100.
Sincerely
Anibal Soler, Jr.
Superintendent of Schools
