Helping to feed minds and stomachs: The Pantry's Philanthropy Project
The Pantry of Broward has teamed up with three Broward County schools in an effort to teach children the benefits of philanthropy.
Penny Loughan, the CEO of the Fort Lauderdale outfit that provides food and assistance to low-income seniors, offers this update on the students' progress and welcomes the third school, Pine Crest School:
After learning of the philanthropy project that teams students from St. Mark’s Episcopal School and Coral Glades High School with The Pantry, a group of 20 seniors from Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale will visit the food center to pack groceries and prepare deliveries to the Broward County seniors that The Pantry serves.
The project is being spearheaded by students Wendi O. and Lauren H. and moderated by Ms. Birdie, senior class advisor, and Ms. Doolittle, student council advisor.
St. Mark’s students find many living on the edge
On Oct. 6, seventh- and eighth-grade members of St. Mark’s Senior Student Council and a group of fourth-graders spent time at The Pantry. They filled pasta bags, packed soap and vegetables into boxes. They met with clients and helped carry boxes of food to the seniors' cars.
It was clear to The Pantry staff that this hands-on experience was an eye opener for the students and that the connection between lessons taught by St. Mark’s faculty and the reality of The Pantry: That many people are hungry and living on the edge.
St. Mark’s parent’s association is getting behind the food drive as well!
(Pictured: St. Mark's students Jake G., and Warren W.)
Gretchen Day-Bryant has a son in high school and a daughter in middle school. She’s lived to tell about the struggles of juggling little kids and work.
Joy Oglesby has a preschooler...
Cindy Kent Fort Lauderdale mother of three. Her kids span in ages from teenager to 20s.
Rafael Olmeda and his wife welcomed their first son in Feb. 2009, and he's helping raise two teenage stepdaughters.
Lois Solomon lives in Boca Raton with her husband and three daughters.
Georgia East is the parent of a five-year-old girl, who came into the world weighing 1 pound, 13 ounces.
Brittany Wallman is the mother of Creed, 15, and Lily, 7, and is married to a journalist, Bob Norman. She covers Broward County government, which is filled with almost as much drama as the Norman household. Almost.
Chris Tiedje is the Social Media Coordinator and the father of a 7-year-old girl, and two boys ages 4 and 3.
Kyara Lomer Camarena has a 2-year-old son, Copelan, and a brand new baby. 
South Florida Parenting is your guide for local events and things to do with your family. Our site offers resources, features and insightful columns on all types of parenting issues.
Parents and their children can access a multitude of free educational resources.