I recently spoke with Angela Jiménez-Calhoun, CEO and founder of Pantry Partners Inc., about the nonprofit and its programs serving Norman teens, their upcoming fundraiser and the ways you can help.
Q. How did you come about founding this organization?
A. Twelve years ago when our son attended Norman High School, he would bring friends home for lunch. Some days there would be a dozen hungry boys at our house. A few were also experiencing homelessness and/or living in crisis situations. We have always privately helped kids in need, but we didn’t realize how many teens were without food and resources. After he graduated, I learned NHS had a food pantry. I signed up to be a volunteer and have been the NHS Food Pantry site coordinator for seven years. I received many requests beyond food needs.
While researching pantry organizations, I noticed there were few programs to assist underserved teens. This inspired me to create Pantry Partners Inc. in 2019. We offer teens wrap-around support and resources, helping alleviate the burden of chronic hunger and homelessness so they can focus on their education and move on to the next level of life with confidence. Free food and resources are distributed through our 517 W. Gray St. location.
Q. What different programs do you offer?
A. Pantry Partners contributes to the holistic development of underserved teens by providing free supplemental food, resources and supportive services. This helps ease teens living at-or-below the poverty level. Programs are specifically designed to meet the individual needs of the teens. Each program offers economic relief throughout different stages of their high school experience. We believe investing in our teens is an investment in our future.
In addition to the food pantry, we provide these teens with back-to-school supplies and new shoes. We also offer a Thanksgiving Food Box program and a Christmas Gift program, as well as an Adopt A Senior program. Our newest program is The Beacon Project: a free wi-fi café that offers a comfortable, safe space for our teens to study and hang out. With increased funding, we hope to open The Beacon Monday through Friday and on weekends for special events. We provide access to free food, supplies and resources during lunch and after school Tuesday through Thursday.
Q. What nonprofit organizations do you partner with in the community?
A. We partner with Assistance League of Norman, Sox of Love, Laundry Love of Norman, Little Read Wagon, Brother Teresa, Food & Shelter, Joyful Celebration Boxes, Rotary Club, Period OK and the Regional Food Bank, as well as other organizations, agencies and churches.
Q. What are the most pressing needs of the community you serve?
A. The teens we serve are always in need of food, resources and consistent, sustainable support. The Norman Public Schools' free and reduced lunch rate is 51.42%. The students we serve outside of those schools average 100% at the poverty level. If we are fortunate enough to receive more funding, we would be able to extend our services and identify more underserved teens. So many of our teens in need go unserved due to a lack of access, awareness and resources.
Q. How can our readers help your organization?
A. Volunteer your time, skills, and talents. Donate food, supplies, and money. Sponsor events, call-to-action requests and programs. Partner with us on our monthly and long-term commitments or join our team.
Q. Can you tell us about your upcoming fundraiser?
A. The luncheon, “Feeding Hope,” is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on April 29, at the NOUN Hotel; proceeds will benefit Pantry Partners Inc. Hosted by Robbie Lamberson and Melissa Rosko, the event will include a lunch and dessert catered by The NOUN Hotel, a cash bar, door prizes, and a special guest appearance. Purchase tickets online at PantryPartners.org or contact events@pantrypartners.org.
