Brooklyn school turns closet into pantry amid food stamp uncertainty
School staff made the transformation after news broke that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits would be paused last week.
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What used to be a dusty supply closet at the Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women in Downtown Brooklyn is now a fully stocked food pantry.
School staff made the transformation after news broke that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits would be paused last week.
Nearly 90% of the school’s students come from low-income households.
“We raised over $3,200 in just three days,” said Annie Annunziato, the school’s assistant principal. “Requests started flooding in, and in the last week, we’ve sent families home with hundreds of pounds of food, clothing, and toiletries.”
Brenda-Marie Picone, who helps run the pantry, said the work hits close to home.
“Years ago, I was going through a very hard time being a single mom," she said. "Sometimes being embarrassed, and you don't want to say you need. And several people in my life, came to my rescue, and this is my way of giving back.”
The pantry also gives out fresh vegetables that students grow in science class.
The federal government’s position remains uncertain. On Friday, a federal appeals court denied a request from the Trump administration to block a judge’s ruling that would require the government to fully fund food stamps.
To donate to the Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women, click here.
