The Konkrete Kids of Northampton Area Middle School’s Student Council raised funds to help cement the cracks growing inside the community’s food-insecure homes.

The student group organized an online shop that offered a wardrobe’s worth of different NAMS monogrammed clothing, displaying sweatshirts, leggings, polos and face coverings. In three weeks, the fundraiser earned $700 in revenue.

All of the proceeds were donated to the school’s food pantry to help mitigate its recent surge of participants.

The food pantry began serving students in September 2019 after faculty member Jess Boandl noticed a growing number of hungry kids coming to school in the morning. The program immediately took action by serving students through a weekend backpack program that offered three days of meals.

New social-distancing regulations have forced the program to restrategize its distribution. Today, the food program utilizes a contactless drive-thru setup in the school’s bus loop.

Although it is different, Boandl said, “the support has been amazing,” adding the pantry is now able to pass out bigger loads and even provide some toiletries.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue; however, Student Council adviser Melissa Jamicky said it is “inspiring” to watch the resilient students break the heavy air and pull one another up to breathe.

NAMS Student Council members remind community members they have the power to help alleviate the growing hunger crisis. For more information on what the pantry needs and how you can help, contact the NAMS main office at 610-262-7817.

The contactless drive-thru service is held 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. every Monday in the NAMS bus loop.

If you are seeking assistance, contact Boandl at boandlj@nasdschools.org.