In communities where challenges like food insecurity persist, the power of collective effort often shines brightly. When individuals and organizations come together with a shared purpose, they create solutions that not only address immediate needs but also foster hope and resilience. This spirit of collaboration is deeply embedded in the mission of the Paulding United Food Pantry, an initiative that exemplifies the adage that unity can overcome even the toughest barriers.
The phrase "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child" originates from an African proverb and conveys the message that it takes many people ("the village") to provide the basic life necessities for children to flourish in their environment. This statement is a passion for the newly established members of the Paulding United Food Pantry (PUFP).
After numerous conversations throughout the 2023-24 school year between members of the Hiram Lodge #636, King Hiram #38, and two of the Paulding County School District Social Workers (Mrs. Kim Cayetano and Ms. Byanca Beasley), Mr. Derrick Wilson of the Hiram Lodge #636 hosted a meeting on February 20th that consisted of the Hiram Lodge #636, King Hiram #38, Hiram Chapter #145 OES, Cayetano/Beasley-PCSD Social Workers, and several Divine Nine Sororities and Fraternities.
As a result of a few meetings and collaboration on how their organizations can "give back" to Paulding residents and assist the school social workers in seeking to remove barriers to food insecurity for students and their families, the Paulding United Food Pantry hosted its first food pantry for families on May 4, 2024. Over 20 families were able to pick up a food box (including both perishable and non-perishable foods), tea/Gatorade beverages, and hand sanitizer.
The first PUFP consisted of the Hiram Lodge #636, King Hiram #38, Hiram Chapter #145 OES, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Douglas/Carroll/Paulding Alumnae Chapter), Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (Rho Pu Lambda Chapter), Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Xi Chi Sigma Chapter), and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Phi Pi Zeta & Rho Xi Zeta Chapters).
Mrs. Cayetano, who was present for the opening of the first PUFP on May 4th, is very appreciative of the collaboration between these organizations and the school social workers as they work to remove food insecurity and other barriers such as the lack of personal hygiene items, running water, and even homelessness that these students face during their educational journey. Cayetano also states, "It truly takes a village and the community of Paulding County to work collaboratively to bridge those gaps for our children to be successful during their educational journey." Mr. Derrick Wilson with Hiram Lodge #636 welcomes all Divine Nine and other organizations joining the Paulding United Food Pantry and working with the Paulding County School District social workers to decrease the barriers that may cause interruptions in a child's education and to simply be of service in "giving back" to Paulding residents.