A growing network of school- based food pantries is reshaping how Alpine School District communities care for one another.
Riverview Elementary is one of several ASD elementary schools now operating on-site food pantries to support students and families facing food insecurity. Located at the front of the school, Riverview’s pantry is open during school hours and by appointment before or after school. The school also runs a Weekend Backpack Meal program that has already sent home more than 4,000 meals this year, serving more than 20 families and dozens of students.
“We have seen an increase in students that reported food insecurities at home over the last few school years,” said Principal Nathan Webb. “While working in partnership with our school community we noticed that this area did not have local access to a food pantry and we began working together to make it a reality.”
Riverview’s efforts mirror similar work at other elementary schools, where staff and families collaborate to ensure students have the essentials they need to thrive.
ASD schools measure their impact through clear data. Riverview tracks the number of meals sent home each week, the students receiving weekend support, and the families visiting the pantry. “For the food pantry, we track the number of families visiting and the number of students they are feeding,” Webb said. These metrics help Riverview and other schools maintain responsive, student-centered support systems.
Districtwide collaboration has also strengthened these initiatives. Riverview partnered with Harvest Elementary in a food drive challenge that generated thousands of food and hygiene items. The superintendent recently contributed a large donation, reinforcing ASD’s commitment to schools that invest in community care.
“We are blessed to live within a community that cares deeply about our students, families and our school,” Webb said. “They are incredibly generous with their time and means to help make a difference.”
Parent involvement is another hallmark of ASD’s community-driven approach. PTA President Katie Laulusa remembers the moment she learned Riverview would open a pantry. “I was immediately excited at the chance to impact families and individuals in my community who could use extra support,” she said.
She believes the pantry provides both meaningful relief and a sense of security. “It helps feed people who don't have all the resources they need… but it also provides students, their parents, and other community members the chance to volunteer time and donate resources to take care of each other.”
Students are joining this effort too. Sixth grader Meili Nawahine helps organize shelves and assemble weekend meal bags. “I have always wanted to change things, and be a change,” she said. “I learned that some kids don’t have enough food at home… so I want to help them so they have food over the weekend so they aren’t hungry.”
The expansion of school-based food pantries across ASD reflects a shared belief: strong communities take care of each other. Riverview is one shining example of a districtwide commitment to ensuring students feel supported, valued, and ready to learn.