Two Warren pantries have taken it upon themselves to help keep their students and neighbors fed and warm amid the growing need for help in the area this holiday season. 

Willard PK-8 School opened the first Warren City School Pantry in 2018, with one staff member currently working to keep the school pantry's legacy alive.

"My mom opened up the first Warren City School Pantry, and it was this one," Shaina Shardy, school and family community liaison, said. "It just grew and grew and grew every year. The more demand, the more food insecurities." 

Shardy said that children come to school discussing foods they may not have at home, or worry that they may not be able to have dinner that night. The school pantry aims to get rid of that need and fear that some students may face.

"We make 300 pantry bags, and we will fill up our carts, and each classroom gets several bags," Shardy said. 

The pantry doesn't just help with food, but also helps provide coats, scarves and hats to students in the colder months.

Outside of the school, the Warren City Schools Mobile Pantry helps provide the same types of services to neighbors in need. 

"It's not just for students, but it's also for our neighborhoods within the district. It has helped a huge amount of people so far," Shardy said.

The food pantries accept food and monetary donations.