Penn Hills School District food collection contest builds community, goodwill

The Penn Hills School District wanted to help make a difference for families in need during the holiday season.

The contest, “Use Your Noodle to End Hunger,” encouraged classrooms to donate food pantry items to local food banks. The class that brought in the most items would receive a prize.

The Penn Hills High School Bible Club sponsored the contest. The district has collected food pantry items to donate for 15 years. The Bible Club strives to hold community-driven initiatives to make an impact within and outside the school throughout the school year.

Thomas Iaquinta, eighth grade principal, said Club Sponsor Therone Wade White Sr. helped spearhead the food drive competition. Previously, the initiative was not always a contest.

“He is very into the community and helping one another and helping those in need,” he said.

A sixth grade class at Linton Middle School won the contest, donating more than 323 packs and four cases of ramen. Stacie Melvin’s students will be receiving a prize for their contributions.

One student’s family brought in 144 packs of ramen to donate. Another student brought in one pack, telling Melvin it was not much but he wanted to contribute in a way. Ramen was the main donation for classes because it is the most requested item at food banks and pantries.

“It was great they wanted to win, but they also wanted to make a difference and help out those who needed help,” Melvin said.

Third grade teacher Lisa Harajda got her class involved because she is always encouraging her students to be good citizens in school and in the community.

“This is a very rewarding way to give back to others. What better way to teach them this good feeling of giving?” she said.

Iaquinta said despite the contest-added element, students were focused on the greater purpose of the effort.

“I think kids are aware of the need in their community, but also around the United States. It became more realistic with covid,” he said.

The items were donated to the Rosedale Food Pantry and Lincoln Park Community Center.

John Dick, director of the Rosedale Food Pantry, said the donations help with the increased need during the holidays.

“It is amazing that kids are realizing there are needs in the community to be met, and they’re helping to meet them.”