Deacon Pete Franco of Cristo Rey High Orlando High School recalls a student who had nothing to eat at home.
“The student told me ‘We only got a can of beans. I don’t know what I’m gonna have for dinner tonight,’” he recalled.
That was the moment Deacon Pete knew the team had to find a way to feed any student at school and at home. The Catholic learning community educates young people of limited economic means through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, integrated with relevant work study experience, so students graduate ready to lead lives of faith, purpose and service.
“Whether we're trying to do something academically, spiritually, or in the workplace, kids aren't going to be able to focus if they're wondering where the next meal is,” added Deacon Pete.
Thanks to community support, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is able to step in to support students and families with two programs. First, by providing breakfast, lunch and snacks daily with meals prepared by volunteers at Mercy Kitchen.
Then, its School Partnerships Program helps stock the shelves at NourishU, a family market inside the school. Anyone who is part of the Cristo Rey community can go online and place orders for nonperishable pantry staples, fresh produce and hygiene products to support students and their families at home.
Once a week, students get busy packing orders, taking inventory and stocking shelves. For students helping in the market is a learning opportunity, teaching business skills and empathy for their peers.
Crystal says this market has made life better for her and her mom.
“My mom is very grateful for this, to know we have support,” says Crystal. “It helps a lot of families because, not a lot of families can afford these things.”
On a recent visit to NourishU, students printed orders and filled grocery totes with cereal, soup, juice, fruit cups, pasta, and bananas.
“To be able to have a good meal every single day when you get home, it makes you feel loved, special, like you're worth something.”
