8th Graders Continue Partnership with Interfaith Food Pantry Network

Although they won’t be able to volunteer in-person at the Interfaith Food Pantry Network (IFPN) this year, the MBS 8^th Grade Class will continue its partnership with the organization by collecting canned and boxed food items this spring.  On Monday, March 8, the students learned more about the important work of the IFPN from Education Coordinator Kiley Powell. 

“Morristown-Beard School has been a great partner of the Interfaith Food Pantry Network through the years,” said Ms. Powell. “Your ongoing service and generosity are huge for us.”

This spring, each 8^th Grade advisory will collect canned and boxed food for the IFPN as part of a ‘canstruction’ event.  Before donating their food items, the advisories will creatively build structures with the items that can stand on their own. 

Community service is a cornerstone of the Morristown-Beard School educational experience, and helps MBS students gain personal satisfaction and self-confidence on their journey to becoming productive and responsible citizens.

Although the students won’t be able to visit the IFPN in Morris Plains, Ms. Powell gave the students a virtual tour of the facility and an overview of the work that is done there. She explained that the pandemic has had a huge impact on the food pantry during the past year, as they’ve seen a 24 percent increase in the number of households served.

“Especially now, the individuals we serve are your neighbors,” said Ms. Powell. “There are a lot of people who have gone through some tough times as a result of the pandemic.”

Last year alone, the IFPN donated more than 1.5 million pounds of food to people in need throughout Morris County.  To learn more about the Interfaith Food Pantry Network, visit http://mcifp.org.