Hunt Elementary initiative's goal is to send every student home with food before Thanksgiving

When students at Roy A. Hunt Elementary School go home for holiday breaks, their teachers worry.

Almost 87% of the school’s students are economically disadvantaged, according to data from the state department of education’s Future Ready Index. So, with the recent federal government shutdown concurrent with a state budget impasse weeks ago, third-grade teacher Lindsey Zarichnak wanted to do something to help.

Zarichnak decided to lead a food collection drive at the school to ensure each child has a bag of groceries when they depart for Thanksgiving break on Nov. 25.

The school’s Thanksgiving break is from Nov. 26 to Dec. 1.

Donations are being collected until Friday, Nov. 21, Zarichnak said.

People can drop off their donations at the school, 1701 Alcoa Drive, Arnold, this week. Those unable to get to the school can call the office at 724-335-2511 to arrange a pickup.

“The goal is to send every kid home with a bag,” Zarichnak said. “No one wants to worry about food.”

About 600 students attend Roy A. Hunt, said Principal Jeff Thimons.

Items sought include nonperishable snacks, fruit cups, ramen, Uncrustables, mac and cheese cups, and more.

Zarichnak encourages donations of food that students could make on their own.

She said community support for the food drive has been positive so far, especially from city businesses Rhythm Ridez; Trovo Co.; the Penn State Digital Foundry; and Glo Hair, owned by New Kensington native Kelly Lapinsky. Each of the businesses has been home to a donation box for the drive.

“It’s impressive what the people of New Kensington and Arnold do here,” Thimons said. “They really take care of their own.”

Thimons said a lot of the school’s students qualify for free or reduced lunch.

Last week, the state legislature passed a $50.1 billion budget which includes an $11 million increase for the State Food Purchase Program and Farmers’ Market Voucher program.

The federal government passed its budget, funding SNAP through 2026. About 46,000 people in Westmoreland County rely on SNAP, according to the state.

While that may quell some uncertainty, Zarichnak said it was important for Hunt’s initiative to cover every student, regardless of need.

It’s the second time a New Kensington-Arnold school has stepped up to support its students with food.

During the month of October, students at H.D. Berkey Elementary brought in more than $1,000 in spare change in a friendly competition. That money went toward grocery store gift cards for families in need.