PHDS Students learn lessons at the food pantry

On Dec. 7 and 8, students from Providence Hebrew Day School (PHDS) visited the Louis and Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry in Providence. The pantry’s dedicated staff and volunteer members warmly welcomed the students and eagerly shared their experiences and knowledge about combating hunger in Rhode Island. Students toured the facilities, helped unload a delivery, stocked items on shelves, and listened attentively to explanations about the inner workings of the pantry.

The first and most impactful question posed to our students: What is your idea of someone who comes to a food pantry? The anecdotes of their experiences with those in need, relayed by volunteers and staff, greatly contributed to deeper reflection of students’ initial answers to that question. Math skills were also at work during this outing thanks to our guide’s fantastic idea to provide students with a  budgeting activity.

Students were given a hypothetical situation (single and homeless/family of four/ couple with student loan debt, etc.), and a food stamp budget befitting their family size. Using a food cost distribution list, and their allotted food stamp allowance, students calculated the cost of food for their family over a two-week period. This hands-on learning generated awareness that, often, supplemental food stamps are not enough to feed a household.

On behalf of PHDS students and faculty, we want to thank the Louis and Goldie Chester Full Plate Kosher Food Pantry for inviting us to see the facilities and share their experiences. Most importantly, thank you for demonstrating to students that giving is not always about monetary donations. Offering our time, our kindness and our compassion is a necessary and deeply beautiful gift. 

Submitted by

Providence Hebrew

Day School