LYNN ― Connery Elementary School transitioned its monthly food pantry indoors for the first time since the pandemic.
The school hosted the food pantry in the gym on Tuesday afternoon, after it returned indoors in October with COVID-19 protocols and safety measures that proved successful.
Tuesday’s food pantry served more than 100 families in the Connery community, with food provided by the Greater Boston Food Bank.
When the pandemic began, Connery was able to continue the food pantry ― which has been running for nearly 10 years ― but was forced to host it outside in the parking lot.
Connery School Principal Glenda Colon said deciding to transition back inside included multiple factors, such as requiring masks, spacing out the number of people who enter the gym, and encouraging social distance.
“We were thinking about what feels OK, and we know our COVID-19 guidelines, and we keep the doors open to keep the air flowing,” Colon said.
Connery set up a system where community members who have registered for the food bank, either through email or by phone, can check in and then follow a U-shaped line to get food.
Teacher volunteers also help stagger the amount of people who enter the gym and limit the number of family members who can go inside at a time.
“People are not here for more than five minutes, so I think with our set up and everyone wearing masks, it feels safe,” Colon said.
When the food bank was outside, Connery volunteers and families faced pouring rain, snow, and cold weather, but continued the food bank because the community looked forward to it.
“We stayed outside because we wanted to help our families,” Colon said. “Our families definitely are in need. There’s been so many times where families call and ask us if we have any support for gifts for the holidays and for food.”
One thing that’s really amazing about the families at Connery, Colon said, is that they advocate for themselves, which makes hosting things like the food pantry a lot easier.
“We have families on the radar who need the support,” Colon said. “Last year, when the pandemic hit, the food pantry really shed light on the fact that Connery families are really in need.”
Social workers Kristel Carias and Jessica Bergeron help coordinate the food pantry each month, which is usually held on the last Thursday of the month. It was changed to Tuesday this week because of Thanksgiving.
Carias said this food pantry helps fight food insecurity, while also establishing a sense of community.
“It’s more like a community event for our students,” Carias said. “They are with their families, but get to see their teachers, too.”
Since hosting the pantry indoors again last month, Carias said they have seen an increase in families who have registered, going from 90 to 119 families.
“It’s definitely something that they look forward to and is a need,” Carias said. “Especially during this time of year, not just because it’s Thanksgiving, but as the months get colder it’s important for families to have enough food.”
Connery donates any leftover food from the pantry to My Brother’s Table and the community fridge at 16 City Hall Square.
