A “Free Little Food Pantry” is the newest addition in front of Phillipsburg Primary School

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ - Amy McCartney, a teacher at PPS, is currently in her final semester of grad school to become a school counselor. McCartney told TAPinto that her capstone project was “to create something to help the students and community.” One day she was inspired while driving and on the side of the road there was a free little food pantry.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE TAPINTO.NET NEWSLETTER

“Working in the district, I know there are students and families that struggle with food insecurity,” McCartney said.

Based on a 2022 Health Indicator Report of Food Insecurity conducted by New Jersey State Health Assessment Data , 8.9% of Warren County, or 9,400 residents, face food insecurity.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE TAPINTO APP FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS. AVAILABLE IN THE APPLE STORE AND THE GOOGLE PLAY STORE .

“I didn’t know how I would build it, but realized there is a woodworking class at the high school,” McCartney shared. “It seemed like a good idea to get the students, who are members of the community, to help.”

The pantry was built by Phillipsburg High School woodworking students Jahnya Davis, Darren Morris, Dylan Zwicker, Logan Puljanowski, Aidan Caswell, Jordan Tolbert, John Elliot, Patrick Day, Cain Ehrie and Antonio Lima, led by woodworking teacher Mr. John Loro. Home Depot in Phillipsburg donated most of the materials for the pantry.

“The Phillipsburg community has always been one that prides itself as being a close knit community that helps one another in their times of need, which has been proven time and time again. We know it will continue with the pantry. Thank you for all of your continued support to make this pantry a success!” said Dr. Greg Troxell, Superintendent of Schools for the Phillipsburg School District.

The next step for the pantry will be to stock it with non-perishable food items for the community to take if they are struggling and in immediate need of food. The purpose of the pantry is based on a “take what you need, leave what you can” theory, meaning it will help in the moment for an immediate need, but it is not meant to be a solution for food insecurity or to replace other resources available. Members of the community are welcome and encouraged to add items to the pantry when they are able to do so.

“Everyone at the school has donated food to stock the pantry. I hope this can continue to help for years to come!” said McCartney.

The Phillipsburg Primary School is located at 1000 Green St, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865.

For more local news, visit TAPinto.net