Counseling Corner: Our School Food Pantry...What is it, How Do I Use it, and Where Did it Move to?

School Counseling Corner

Our K-12 Counseling team would like to highlight the Carlisle Schools Food Pantry.  The pantry is an extension of the Food Bank of Iowa.  The pantry is open to the public on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays of the month from 4-6pm.  The pantry is now located in the elementary just across from the nurse’s office.  Visitors to the food pantry should use the West Entrance of the elementary.    We ask that community members wait until all students and buses are off campus before visiting the pantry (around 3:45pm).  Carlisle students are also able to access the pantry during the school day by contacting a school counselor. 

There is also a Carlisle Community Food Pantry located at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church on the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays of the month from 4-5:30pm. 

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Families and community members of the Carlisle School District. 

ARE THERE INCOME GUIDELINES?

There are no income guidelines. A brief, one-page application must be completed once per calendar year by individuals visiting the school food pantry.  

WHAT FOOD ITEMS ARE AVAILABLE?

Available foods will vary depending on Food Bank of Iowa’s supplies. Basics such as pasta, rice, breakfast cereal, canned vegetables, canned fruits, juice, etc., will always be available. Fresh dairy, produce, and bread are typically available during the times open to the public.

Can I make a donation to the School Food Pantry?

YES!  We accept donations at any time to the pantry.  You can drop off donations at the elementary or high school office during school hours.  We are always in need of personal care items such as shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toilet paper, deodorant, etc.  We also accept monetary donations that help us purchase milk, bread, and eggs each time the pantry is open. 

We would like to say “Thank You” to many groups in our community that have helped organize collection drives or make regular donations to the pantry.   Some of the groups include:  American Legion Auxiliary, Great Western Bank, Peoples Bank, Carlisle Student Council, Eagle Scout projects, Carlisle Wrestling and Football teams, and many others.  THANK YOU!