WVE girl helping distribute food

It is never too early to start volunteering...

Westview Elementary's Girls in Pearls students were among a group of volunteers who helped give out food to visiting community members during a recent food distribution event.

Lowcountry Food Bank partners with schools in the 10 coastal counties to end hunger and provide equitable access to healthy and nutritious food.

One of the ways the organization brings food to communities is through the Fresh for All events; Lowcountry Food Bank teams up with different groups, such as schools, to host these events on-site and invite members of the community to come and collect fresh food, such as carrots, potatoes, peppers, canned goods and more.

Tuesday's Fresh for All event at Westview Elementary was a particularly special one, because the organization unveiled its new Mobile Pantry Truck, funded by Publix grocery stores and designed to accommodate market-style distributions. Food bank officials said the new truck is going to allow a lot more flexibility in terms of where the organization can travel, and subsequently help bring more food to more people.

Members of the Girls and Pearls program at Westview Elementary took on shifts during the event, taking turns to greet members of the community and then stuff their bags with food.

The Girls in Pearls program is a mentoring program that promotes improving self image, self discipline, academic success and leadership among its young participants. Westview's program is led by school counselor Kim Nettles.

Principal Erika Wyatt said the school loves partnering with Lowcountry Food Bank to help support students' families and other members of the community, and that the Girls in Pearls members are always very willing to help out at school.

two girls with box of peppers

girl holding up two canned goods