stop and shop food pantry

We are so grateful to Stop & Shop for their unwavering support of our school food pantry and to the New York Mets for their generous distribution of fresh produce and meaningful engagement with our students. At P.S. 45Q, many of our families courageously navigate the complexities of poverty—grappling with food insecurity, housing instability, and the daily challenges that accompany limited access to essential resources.

Food insecurity is not just a nutritional concern—it is an equity issue that directly impacts our children’s ability to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Poverty compromises a child’s access to consistent meals, safe shelter, and learning supports—barriers that compound stress and hinder educational outcomes.

For the past five years, the Stop & Shop food pantry has not only addressed an urgent physical need—it has provided a consistent, stabilizing force in our students’ lives, helping to establish a sense of safety, belonging, and dignity within the school community. Partnerships like these serve as a reminder that when institutions come together with purpose, we can mitigate the long-term effects of poverty and create environments where all children have the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

— Samantha Severin, Principal, The Clarence E. Witherspoon School