School in Philippines starts online food pantry for families

Community food pantries have been sweeping the nation, but they haven’t been able to reach everyone. This group of educators found a new way to help.

Teachers and staff in a small Catholic School in the Philippines initiated an online community pantry for the families of their students affected by the COVID- 19 pandemic.

The teachers and staff of Fr. Louis Chauvet Foundation School (FLCFS), a mission school managed by the Sister of St Paul of Chartres Philippine Province with 351 student-scholars, conceived of the project upon hearing the needs of the families of their students affected financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.

One mother had contacted her daughter’s teacher to explain that her daughter would be late for her online class because the mother herself would not be able to help her daughter, as she would be busy going to a community pantry for their food. One student also shared that due to insufficient food in the family, her mother would not take her meals but give her share instead to them, her children. 

The teacher and staff started to contribute a small amount from their own pockets and shared on social media about sponsoring food packs for the school’s families. This is how they express their love and concern for their students. As they feed their minds with knowledge, they too need to nourish their body. 

The project is ongoing, with the hope that thanks to generous donors, they may soon start their online grocery, where their 280 families can just order from their Facebook page. The items they need will be delivered to their doorsteps at no cost. This is to prevent them from having to stand in line for many hours at community pantries, at the risk of exposing themselves to the COVID-19 virus. 

With their small act of kindness and generosity, they were able to inspire others to donate to their online community pantry. On May 1, the day of the consecration of the nation to St. Joseph, they were able to distribute packed goods to 280 families, with prayers that Joseph, the guardian and protector of the Holy Family, may also protect the families under their care.