STUDENT PANTRY AIMS TO ‘PAY IT FORWARD’
FORT BRAGG >> When students return to Fort Bragg High School’s campus next week, there will be a new program hoping to make things go a little more smoothly for them: The Pay It Forward Pantry .
nchor Academy teachers Katrina Tichinin and Tim Anderson have converted an empty classroom and put together a food pantry for students and their families, right on campus. Best of all, it’s not just food that’s available, it’s also a place where students can get a warm, new jacket, health supplies, toiletries, masks, or even a sleeping bag — all at no cost to the students.
“Our hope is that by consolidating services on-site at FBHS, we will be able to provide students with access to the things they need at a location they are comfortable and familiar with,”
Tichinin and Anderson wrote in a letter to would-be investors. “We hope this will also reduce the stigma surrounding assistance for students and in turn increase their confidence.”
Anchor Academy, which is known for its commitment to volunteerism, has been struggling during the pandemic to keep its students engaged with community service projects, Tichinin said.
“This was something we could take on in-house to continue with our community service learning,” she said. The teachers have paired the project with the Fort Bragg Food Bank, the James G. Cummings Foundation and the Mendocino Coast Children’s Fund.
“The Fort Bragg Food Bank is proud to partner with the high school to provide food for students,” said Operations Coordinator, Lisi Martinez. “We’ve been able to supply toiletries and shelfstable food items, as well as our