Seventy students from Middle Township Elementary School #1 are receiving weekly snack packs to help them and their families, thanks to donations and the volunteers of Panthers in Action, a newly formed local nonprofit committed to supporting students in need.
But with 57% of the district’s students – approximately 1,425 children – relying on free or reduced-priced breakfasts and lunches, PIA is touching only a handful of those in need. They hope to expand their efforts to more students with the community’s help.
“Our mission is simple: No child should struggle in school because they lack the basics,” said Kelly Cox, president of Panthers in Action and a guidance counselor at Elementary School #1. “If we can help with some of the necessities, the students are better able to learn and thrive at school.”
The snack packs include easily made meals and foods such as macaroni and cheese, ramen noodles, Chef Boyardee products, applesauce, fruit cups, granola bars, oatmeal and a variety of other snacks.
According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, young children are particularly vulnerable when external stressors threaten their family or caregiving environment, Cox said.
“With this in mind, Panthers in Action works to alleviate these challenges by addressing the diverse needs of students and fostering a culture of wellness, empowerment and community support.
Working closely with schools, local businesses and volunteers, PIA identifies student needs and delivers resources directly, ensuring that support reaches those who need it most. The organization is calling on neighbors, sponsors and community members to join its mission to uplift Middle Township’s youth.
“Our immediate goal is to provide students with critical necessities, such as weekend food bags, holiday food assistance, sneakers, coats, hats, gloves and refillable water bottles that will help reduce the impact of external stressors and allow students to focus on learning,” Cox said.
“By collaborating with local businesses and organizations, we aim to create a supportive environment where students can focus on their education and well-being.
“Thanks to our local sponsors, we’re giving kids both practical support and the confidence to succeed.”
Cox, who joined the school district in 2020, said the staff was given a survey in the fall and spring to help identify students in need. Their parents were then asked if they are willing to accept the help, and some of the high school students in the Key Club and National Honor Society pack the snack bags on Thursdays. They are then delivered unobtrusively to the backpacks of the students – pre-K to second grade – on Fridays.
“Even people who live here don’t realize the high level of poverty in the area,” Cox said.
When she joined the district, Cox said 53% of students were receiving free or reduced-price luncheons. The number is now at 57%; “the need keeps increasing,” she said. There are about 2,500 students in the district this year.
In addition, Cox said, when she began work in the district she was surprised to learn there are 200 families in the district “who have no permanent residence, living in some of the local hotels. They are bused to the school.”
The Panthers in Action recently provided 10 sets of sweatshirts and sweatpants to students at Middle Township Middle School, ensuring kids stay warm, comfortable and ready to learn.
Alicia Woodrow, treasurer for Panthers in Action, said donations – non-perishable food items and financial donations, for example – can be dropped off at the Middle Township Construction Office, where she works. She said they also are sponsoring a number of fundraisers to raise awareness and help purchase needed items.
At Pints for Panthers at Slack Tide Brewery in Cape May Court House on Oct. 18, $1 from every pint sold will benefit the Panthers in Action, in addition to a portion of various raffles.
At the Pumpkin Decorating Table at the Middle Township Harvest Fest Oct. 25, the $5 fee each participant pays for a pumpkin, markers and decorations will go to the organization.
Fifteen dollars of every $60 for a “plan your own day” bus trip to New York City Dec. 7 will also benefit the group. Proceeds from clothing sold at the school’s football games also benefit Panthers in Action.
Various organizations have helped sponsor some of the giveaways, so there are various options for the community to help support PIA.
“Students can’t learn if they are hungry, or cold or thirsty,” Woodrow said. “We are hoping to help with their basic needs, so the students can learn. We hope to expand our services to the entire district eventually.”
Contact the reporter, Karen Knight, at kknight@cmcherald.com.
