A new student pantry at Arkadelphia High School opened this semester, offering a grocery-style option for students facing food insecurity. The pantry stocks fresh produce, dairy products, refrigerated and frozen items, and a range of traditional nonperishable items as well. Most importantly, this pantry allows the students to choose what they need each week rather than receiving a pre-packed bag.
A collaboration between Patterson Federal Credit Union and AHS counselors, teachers, and students brought this new pantry to life. Patterson Federal Credit Union’s Acorn Project, a foundation dedicated to supporting children in need in the community, launched the project and provides the funding for the food.
Arkadelphia High School BETA Club members are responsible for shopping and stocking the pantry each week and the high school counselor facilitates the “shopping” with the students that utilize the pantry. Nicole McGough, vice president of Patterson Federal Credit Union, said, “this has been a goal of ours since we got involved in the food program in the school district. We are thrilled to have reached the point where we can offer a choice-based, fresh pantry for high school students. The partnership with the Beta Club has only made it better—we love the ‘students helping students’ model.”
AHS teacher and Beta Club advisor Magen Atkinson added: “The food pantry has become a beautiful reflection of students caring for one another. Each week, we serve an average of eighteen students, and hearing one describe the experience as ‘like trick-or-treating, but better,’ reminds us how meaningful it is to offer choice, fresh options, and even cold options that make a difference at home.
“For our Beta students, this work has opened their eyes to needs they didn’t realize existed among their peers. Through budgeting, shopping on a limited means, and carefully managing inventory, they’ve grown in empathy and responsibility. Their compassion has even sparked a partnership with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to launch a hygiene drive, ensuring students can receive essential items alongside their food. It has been incredibly moving to watch this project grow into something that strengthens both hearts and our school community.”
Elizabeth Morris, AHS school counselor, said, “It is both a privilege and a humbling experience to support students through our new student-choice food pantry. This initiative allows students to select the food and necessities they need, providing dignity, independence, and access to healthier options such as fresh fruits, salads, and other nutritious items. Each week, students look forward to ‘shopping’ for items that help sustain them beyond the school day, and the addition of hygiene products through the generosity of our students and community has further strengthened our ability to meet essential needs.
“Seeing students excited to shop each week, even something as simple as a student saving a salad just for herself, reminds us how powerful meeting basic needs can be. I am deeply grateful for the incredible leadership of Mrs. Magen Atkinson, the AHS Beta Club, FCA students, Nicole McGough, and the Acorn Project, in partnership with Patterson Federal Credit Union. Because of each of those partners, along with overwhelming community support, we are not only providing food and hygiene items, but also hope, care, and reassurance that our students are supported and valued.”
Anyone interested in learning more or contributing to this project can contact Nicole McGough at (870)246-8005 or nicole@pfcuonline.org.
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