The AHS food pantry is celebrating its third year serving the AHS community. The pantry’s food distribution model has changed since its opening to better meet the needs of the students and community.
“We launched in October 2018 with an idea and by November, we had started filling shelves, one can or box of food at a time,” food pantry coordinator Norma Foti said.

In the beginning, the pantry distributed only shelf-stable items. Students were able to go to the pantry on specific days to collect a snack bag and on some days they could receive a pre-packed family bag to take home.
During the pandemic the pantry altered their distribution method. They held drive-throughs and started to hold some perishable items. They also received a grant from Safeway which allowed them to further support the community.
“We are so grateful to our individual donors and the neighborhood groups, scouting troops, small businesses, and sports teams that have organized food drivers on our behalf. Our gratitude multiplies with the ongoing partnerships we have built with several community non-profits,” Foti said.
The pantry has worked with several non-profits including Fairfax Diapers, who provide 500 diapers monthly, Bringing Resources to Aid Women’s Shelters, who delivers feminine products monthly, and Food Rescue U.S.
The food pantry plans on growing a garden in the spring to use as a new source of fresh produce. They plan to create a sustainability program that will utilize compostable waste from the cafeteria for the garden and to reduce trash by working with the Green Atoms Club.
“Ideally the garden will become a space for community volunteers to share their gardening talents, time, and expertise,” Foti said. “I believe being a part of a community means helping one another. Together we are doing that in ways that support learning, well-being, and the environment.”
Donations to the pantry can be made at annandalehsptsa.membershiptoolkit.com