Southwest High students win surprise grant to expand student-run pantry against campus food insecurity

# What happened Southwest High School's Purple & Gold Pantry received a grant through the Explore.Act.Tell (E.A.T.) program, funded by the Foundation for Impact on Literacy and Learning in partnership with the Albertsons Companies Foundation. During the announcement, organizers surprised students with an extra, unannounced $1,000 grant.

# Why this matters Recent data in the report notes that nearly 30% of Southwest High students face food insecurity. The pantry is a direct, school-based response: it's student-run, supplies meal kits and other food assistance, and aims to reach peers without singling them out.

# Who runs the pantry and how it operates The pantry is operated entirely by students enrolled in the CTE Health Science and Public Health Pathway. Their responsibilities include:

• Tracking inventory
• Running donation drives
• Assembling nutritious meal kits for local families and students

Student leader Azul Prieto described the pantry as a place where teenagers can take meaningful action on a local problem: "But here, I have the opportunity to do something about a real problem." CTE teacher and pantry advisor Jackie Valadez coordinated the surprise reveal and stressed the emotional value of the moment for students.

# How the school was selected and why Southwest High was one of five schools that applied for the E.A.T. grant. Local Albertsons store associates selected Southwest because of the pantry's creative, confidential approach to distributing food so that students in need don't stand out. Courtney Carranza, Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Albertsons Companies Foundation, said that discretion in distribution resonated with the team that voted.

Carranza explained the funding connects back to customer donations collected at local Albertsons stores in Imperial County. Donations made at checkout—through pin pads and purchases of "hunger bags"—are routed to the Imperial County Food Bank and then allocated within the county, including to the high school pantry.

# What students and staff hope will follow Many current leaders of the pantry are seniors who will graduate soon. They hope underclassmen in the CTE program will continue to manage the pantry and sustain its services. Valadez said she expects the skills practiced—empathy, innovation, organization—will carry forward for students even if they don't pursue public or community health careers.

# How to help or get involved The Purple & Gold Pantry accepts donations year-round to keep shelves stocked. Jackie Valadez can be contacted at jvaladez@mycuhsd.org for donation or involvement details.

# Bottom line The surprise grant and bonus funding expand a student-led program that addresses a clear need on campus. The pantry combines hands-on CTE learning with discreet, practical support for students and families who face food insecurity in Imperial County.