Food pantry opens up inside local high school

BERLIN, Md. – Some students in Worcester County won’t even have to leave their school if they need food from a pantry. This comes after organizers opened a pantry right inside Stephen Decatur High School.

Officials say 44 percent of students are on free or reduced meals so there’s most certainly a need. Organizers receive weekly donations from the Maryland Food Bank and SonRise Church. Then they distribute the food right before the weekend with a focus on transient students, a group that’s unique to the area.

“Students that have families that are coming from other states or other situations and they’re transitioning into this county and the expectations of this school system. So they sometimes fall a little short in getting the recognition that they need to get up and get started,” says Nicole Billetdeaux, a teacher at Stephen Decatur High School.

Right now, the pantry is located in a closet near the school guidance counselor. Organizers hope to relocate it and expand it next semester.

If you are interested in donating, there is a donation bin in the main office at Stephen Decatur. You can also call their office for more information: 410-632-2880.

Students interested in benefiting can apply online: here.