Ministry of Concern starts food and personal care item pantry at Albion school district

Agency seeks to expand the effort to other districts in Genesee and Orleans

Provided photos: The Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern has started a food and personal care pantry at Albion Central School in the middle and high schools. Those pictured include from left Rose Friedl, youth coordinator for GOMOC; Jami Allport, executive director for GOMOC; and Brittany Barleben, middle and high school social worker.

Press Release, Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern

ALBION – In response to the growing need for accessible resources to support students’ well-being, Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern has partnered with United Way of Orleans and excited to announce the launch of a pilot food and personal care item pantry program in Albion Central School District.

This initiative aims to provide students with essential resources, helping to reduce barriers to learning and promote a healthier, more equitable educational environment.

The pantry will offer students free access to food and personal care items, including nutritious snacks, hygiene products, and toiletries. The goal is to ensure that no student faces hunger or discomfort due to a lack of basic resources, enabling them to focus on their education and thrive academically. By establishing these pantries directly within schools, Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern hopes to create a supportive, stigma-free space where students can discreetly take what they need.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, and access to basic necessities should never be a barrier to learning,” said Jami Allport, the executive director of GOMOC. “Through this pilot program, we aim to provide crucial support to students who might otherwise go without, helping to foster a more inclusive, supportive school environment.”

The program will be rolled out in public schools in Genesee and Orleans counties through a grant with Fidelis Care.

“Once we receive the grant funds, we will be contacting public schools in Genesee and Orleans County to discuss their needs and how we can support them,” she said.

School staff will work closely with students and families to ensure the pantry is stocked with the most requested items. The program also aims to involve the community through donations and volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and solidarity.

“The pantry is an essential step in meeting the needs of our students beyond the classroom,” Allport said. “By providing food and personal care items, we are not only addressing physical needs but also reinforcing the importance of well-being as a foundation for academic success.”

For more information about the food and personal care item pantry program or to get involved, please contact the Ministry of Concern at 585-589-9210.