Amazon donated the funding to help the Montgomery County Food Bank open the food pantry. According to Kristine Marlow, president and CEO of the Montgomery County Food Bank, the food bank assessed the need by consulting with CISD on which school they believed the pantry was needed most. Marlow said Travis Intermediate was ranked as a school with the highest number of kids who needed the support.
"I can't imagine a child coming to school, and all they can think about is ‘I'm so hungry,’" Marlow said. "And if we can help by providing healthy nutritious choices to allow that child ... to become a great citizen of our community, that's what this is all about."
According to Nutrition Director Amy Gentry, the mission is to provide healthy food options for kids in need. The pantry is stocked with foods ranging from refrigerated chicken, to boxes of mac 'n' cheese. The pantry is also stocked with feminine hygiene and personal hygiene products.
Jay Griffan works with Communities in Schools, which has him working directly with the children on campus who are struggling or have issues. Through his work, he will notify which kids are needing help through the use of the food panty. Griffan said opening the pantry will excite the kids because of the variety of options offered.
"At first there wasn't as many options for the kids in here for the kids to take home. ... And now I feel like they're going to come in here and just go crazy," Griffan said.
During opening remarks, Conroe ISD Superintendent Curtis Null said almost 30,000 students in CISD are on free or reduced-price lunch. He said the pantry serves two purposes: The first was to make sure children and their families have their needs met; the second is to leave an impression on the children, so when they are in a position to give, they will give.
"What a fantastic school this is, and it's been made even better today with the addition of this food pantry," Null said.
