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Cheerios and other dry goods on shelves at the Cardinal CSD community food pantry.

posted December 5, 2022

Did you know that Cardinal Community School District is home to a food pantry? The Cardinal Community Food Pantry is a free service for the community, open to students and families.

The food pantry, in partnership with the Food Bank of Iowa, is run by the National Honor Society (NHS) team. NHS started the project last year and officially got it up and running this fall.

"The National Honor Society members needed a quality and sustainable service project we could carry over each year that we could maintain and get access to easily," Michelle Edwards, Cardinal school counselor, explains.

Mrs. Edwards and Cindy Green, Cardinal 5-8th grade principal and director of curriculum and instruction, worked together to come up with a project that would support the community as Cardinal transitioned to a four-day school week. 

"We knew some families would need help in providing food on the day kids were home or extended weekends," Mrs. Edwards says.

NHS students run the pantry during their free periods, assisting with their set role for the year. Roles include helping with inventory, marketing, delivery, stocking, and ordering.

"It is my hope that the students understand the power we have in helping others as well as the responsibility of managing a business-like opportunity for their future," Mrs. Edwards says.

Families and individuals that utilize the food pantry remain confidential to the students and to staff members. 

The food pantry is open to the public from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m., 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on days when school is in session and on professional development days. Other times can be scheduled with Michelle Edwards by calling 641-652-7531 ext. 3204 or emailing michelle.edwards@cardinalcomets.com.

Boxed Meals | December 16

The food pantry will have boxed meals to go on December 16. Pickup will be available between 2:45 and 4:00 p.m. for any family or community members who would be interested. The boxes will be available at the Activity Center concession stand. Please allow room for buses or park in the parking lot for the AC. Contact Michelle Edwards for more information.

My real endorsement of Cardinal Schools and its faculty and staff can be seen each morning when I hand them the one irreplaceable and most valuable thing in my life: my kids. No letter I write could be a greater endorsement than that simple act. I give them my kids, and I do it with a huge smile on my face because I trust them to do what they are most outstanding at: building our future.
Kevin S. Maggio · Cardinal Parent
Cardinal School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (for employment), socioeconomic status (for programs), religion, disability, creed, national origin, marital status (for programs), sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity in its educational programs and employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or grievance related to this policy, please contact the district’s equity coordinator, Cindy Green.

The Cardinal Community School District offers career and technical  programs in the following service areas:
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Health Science
Human Services
Business, Finance, Marketing, and Management

Cindy Green - cindy.green@cardinalcomet.com
Middle School Principal/Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Equity Coordinator
4045 Ashland Rd.
Eldon, IA 52554
(641) 652-7531

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