The Mercer County Food Bank is teaming up with the Hope Center for Arts and Technology- or HopeCAT- in Sharon.

Together, they cut the ribbon for an on-campus food pantry for adults in continuing education programs and kids in their after school programs.

Having an on-campus pantry allows young people to focus on their education and goals, not wonder where their next meal is coming from.

"This initiative, which again is smaller in nature in terms of service numbers, the value is not saying to someone, 'You don't have to go someplace else,'" said Lorie Hines, executive director of HopeCAT. "Rather, we'll serve you exactly as you are needed and where the services are needed."

The pantry is located at the school on Anson Way in Sharon.

"Having the food pantry on-campus provides ease of access and removes barriers like transportation for students experiencing food insecurity," said Rebecca Page executive director, Mercer County Food Bank.