LCHS Students Launch Hawk Pantry to Support Local Families

Hodgenville, Ky. (November 2025) — In this time of incredible need, LaRue County High School students are proving that small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Through a new initiative known as the Hawk Pantry, students are turning their leftover breakfasts and lunches into meals for families facing hardship — a project built entirely on generosity and community spirit.

The idea began when students decided to donate unopened items from their school meals to a “share table.” From there, LCHS teacher Heather Bewley’s class took the lead in transforming those small daily donations into something bigger. Her students now collect, sort, and organize the items, creating a sustainable food pantry available to students and families throughout the community.

“Our class takes care of the extra food that students donate,” Bewley said. “We date it, store it in the cooler, and make sure nothing is out of date. We also restock the accompanying dry goods pantry to keep it organized and full so the community can access what they need, when they need it.”

LCHS student Nate Nalley described the class’s hands-on role in maintaining the pantry. “We box up extra food and put it in the pantry,” he said.

The effort is supported by LCHS FRYSC Coordinator Lindsey Bryan, who helped connect the pantry to families beyond the school walls. “If a student doesn’t typically eat a school lunch—maybe they bring lunch from home or leave before lunch—we encourage them to grab their free breakfast or lunch and donate it,” Bryan explained. “We’ll take care of it and add it to the pantry for students who might need it later.”

The pantry offers fresh items such as fruit, bagels, and vegetables, along with canned goods, cereal, and other dry staples. It is open to any student or family in need, even after school hours.

Principal Whitney Choate said the project reflects the heart of what it means to be a Hawk. “We want families to know about the resources we have available here at the high school,” Choate said. “This pantry is more than a project — it’s a symbol of our students’ generosity and their desire to take care of one another.”

Anyone in need of additional support is encouraged to contact the LaRue County High School Youth Service Center at (270) 358-9745.