Absolutely Colorado: Galileo Middle School to provide community food resources at new food pantry

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Non-profit organization Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families along with the Colorado Springs School District 11 is welcoming the community to a food pantry and garden at Galileo Middle School helping families.

The pantry includes a fully stocked market area with fresh food and essential ingredients for cooking. The food comes from the non-profit Care and Share, while the produce is grown in the garden of the school by students from Galileo and King Palmer Elementary.

"In a year, we were able to grow over 900 pounds," Vice President of Foundations with Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families Shay Almonte said. "To be able to say we have over 900 pounds this year that we are sharing with the school, that we are sharing with the community and their families is so amazing."

School officials say the garden has become a place where more than just growing plants happens. They say more impactful growth in character is formed.

"At their young age, to be able to say, 'Hey, I'm doing something for other human beings,' just makes them feel more proud. It makes them feel more valued as a human being and as a member of the community," Galileo Principal Jeff Sterk said.

The non-profit says it is looking to add more like services, like laundry and additional beds in the garden for families in the future. While the pantry is currently open to families at Galileo, they look to eventually expand to families at King Palmer Elementary also.

The Ascend Center at Galileo Middle School will be open Monday and Friday. Their hours will be from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and then 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. by appointment only.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.