Food Pantry Initiative at Dominion Trail Elementary Supports Local Families
On a recent Monday at Dominion Trail Elementary in Ashburn, Virginia, Jane Kennedy, the school’s family liaison, provided essential support to 18 families, encompassing over 50 children, through its weekly food pantry. The initiative, which has been operational for three consecutive school years, aims to ensure that families in the community have sufficient access to nutritious food and essential resources.
Kennedy’s role extends beyond merely managing the food pantry. She has witnessed many mothers navigate their pregnancies, building a rapport that allows her to inquire about their additional needs and any support or information they may require. “Just bringing a little bit of joy and giving access to programs to children who might not otherwise be able to access them. It may seem small, but it means a lot,” Kennedy stated, emphasizing the significance of her work in making a positive impact on the lives of children and families.
The food pantry operates weekly, focusing on providing pantry staples and sending home meal bags every Friday, thereby ensuring families are adequately supported throughout the week. This initiative is part of a larger framework within the Loudoun County Public Schools, which has employed family liaisons since the 1990s. These liaisons play a critical role in meeting the fundamental needs of students and helping families establish trusted connections with educators. Title I schools, which serve at least 40% low-income students, benefit from a dedicated full-time liaison, while other schools are supported by part-time staff.
As highlighted in recent school board documents, family liaisons have assisted over 4,100 families and supported more than 5,200 students across the county as of December. This involvement underscores the intrinsic challenges some students face, particularly in areas where families may lack the resources to participate in after-school programs, summer camps, and other educational activities. “Kids notice that, and they feel that, and so by providing this extra help, it helps to level the playing field,” Kennedy remarked.
The family liaison concept was initially designed to hire parents with children enrolled in the respective schools. Over time, the role has evolved, focusing on empowering students by ensuring they have the necessary resources to concentrate on their education. In addition to the food pantry, Kennedy organizes an annual giveaway for shoes, coats, and Halloween costumes, along with a holiday gift drive for underprivileged children, distributing 133 gifts last year sourced from the school community. The initiative also includes distributing Thanksgiving meals, showcasing Kennedy’s commitment to the emotional and physical well-being of her students.
“Part of my role is connecting families with resources to help them,” Kennedy explained. By inviting parents to volunteer, she encourages them to engage with their children’s educational experience, including special events and breakfast days.
While Kennedy’s efforts have made a significant difference in her local school community, she is aware that many schools in the D.C. metropolitan area may face challenges without a dedicated liaison. “We are very fortunate to provide adequate food, clothing, and housing to our children,” Kennedy reflected, “but it really struck me how many kids with a similar background to my children don’t have the same support.”
Kennedy’s ongoing commitment not only enhances the educational environment at Dominion Trail but also serves as a blueprint for community engagement, highlighting the importance of addressing basic needs to foster academic success among students.
