HOULTON, Maine — Sometimes all it takes to make a big difference in a person’s life is finding the right person willing to try.
Shelly Bouchard, a French teacher at Houlton Middle-High School, is doing her part to be that person as she has taken on a personal crusade to fight student hunger. This fall, Bouchard created “Edie’s Cupboard,” a food pantry for students in grades six-12 at Houlton Middle-High School.
Students are able to pick up a bag of goodies to take home with them on Tuesday and a larger gift bag is ready on Thursday in the event that they do not have enough to eat. It is open to any student, regardless of income level.
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- Fresh fruits and vegetables are a staple in care packages at Edie’s Cupboard at Houlton Middle-High School. (Staff Photo/Joseph Cyr)
“We wanted them to have different kinds of snacks and foods they could make at home,” she said.
The food pantry is just the latest effort by RSU 29 to ensure students have proper nutrition. With the start of the new school year, every student is eligible for free breakfast and lunch thanks to a grant the school received.
Jen McGary, left, of North Country Auto, presents a check for $100 to Shelly Bouchard to be used for Edie’s Cupboard, a new student food pantry at Houlton Middle-High School. (Photo courtesy of Shelly Bouchard)
“I want these kids to know that somebody cares about every one of them, and that all are welcome to partake in this food-sharing program,” she said. “My wish is for them to have a happy childhood, as I had, with food in their bellies every night before they go to bed, and every morning when they wake up.”
Care packages include both boxed and canned goods, as well as fresh items such as vegetables, eggs and even home-cooked food items such as ham and potato dinners. In addition to the donated food varieties that students receive in their bags, there will be a homemade treat included. Bouchard said it was her hope that the students will feel as special as her grandmother Edith makes her feel.
When trying to decide on a name for her venture, Bouchard looked to her family roots. She chose the name Edie’s Cupboard as a tribute to her grandmother Edith Doucette.
“I wanted something that did not scream ‘food pantry for poor people only,’” Bouchard said. “I desired a name that was unassuming, that would remind someone of the smells in grandma’s kitchen, and that would symbolize love.”
Currently, Bouchard sends home about 15 gift bags with students each week, but hopes more will come forward once word of the project spreads. Fellow students are doing their parts to help their peers.
“Sometimes I open up the door to my classroom and there are six bags of groceries waiting to go on the shelf,” she said. “Students are also coming in after school to help put the gift bags together or help out by washing fresh fruit.”
Local businesses have stepped up to assist. On Friday, Sept. 27, North Country Auto donated $100 for the purchase of food. Individuals are also participating through the group’s Facebook page, which is equipped with PayPal for online donations.
A refrigerator was donated to the project, but a second one could easily be accepted to accommodate the growing demand.
“I would often have kids ask me if I had anything to eat, because they knew we grew fresh vegetables and fruit as part of the Breaking Ground program,” Bouchard said. “I will never deny anyone.”
