Easy-Access Assistance Programs - Middleburgh Central School District

Backpack Program|Elementary Food Pantry|Jr./Sr. Food Pantry| Elementary Community Closet| Jr./Sr. Clothing Cubby

Nutritious food is key to both health and learning, and MCS has several resources available to supplement student nutrition. For households facing food insecurity, even a small boost can make a difference when finances are tight. Assistance is also available for incidentals such as toiletries and basic clothing items.

There is no charge to any student for breakfast or lunch at MCS. This is made possible through the Child Nutrition Community Eligibility Program and New York State. Additional food assistance is available to ensure students are not in danger of going hungry while they are away from school.

Backpack Program

Canned fruit mix and oatmeal on shelf labeled Backpack Program.

In collaboration with the Joshua Project, the MCS social work team administers the Backpack Program. Each Friday, students in need are provided with food for the weekend. The food is sent home with students on the bus or can be picked up. Any family at MCS can sign up. To enroll, email social worker Sierra Diamond or 518-827-3600 x 2332 to express a need.

During the summer, The Joshua Project continues to ensure that students will get the nutrition they need. Historically, on Fridays, volunteers assemble bags of food that are then delivered to MCS families. Each delivery provides a week’s worth of food for the student. Details of the Joshua Project’s summer plans are provided each spring.

Elementary Food Pantry

The K-6 food pantry provides a variety of nonperishable food items, including snacks and drinks. Families may visit the pantry, located near the cafeteria, on a walk-in basis Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. No appointment or paperwork is required.

The pantry is stocked in part through a partnership with the Northeastern Regional Food Bank.

To learn more or schedule a different time to visit, email Sydney Marchena at sydney.marchena@mcsdny.org.

Food pantry shelving stocked with a variety of shelf-stable foods. Visible items include cereal boxes, jars of peanut butter, canned tuna, canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta sauce, snack foods, and boxed pastries. Multiple shelves are labeled "School Pantry," and the food is organized by type for easy selection.

Shelving containing non-perishable boxes of Chobani Super Milk.

Shelves in a school food pantry stocked with nonperishable foods. The upper shelf contains packages of elbow macaroni, boxed macaroni and cheese dinners, and boxed scalloped potatoes. A sign reading "School Pantry" is attached to the shelf. The middle shelf is filled with dozens of bags of long-grain rice stacked in rows. Additional packages of pasta are visible on the lower shelf.

A whiteboard sign on a red easel announces the opening of an elementary food pantry. Handwritten blue text reads: "Elementary Food Pantry! Open today 3:30-5:00 pm. Come shop!" A note at the bottom says "Enter through Cafeteria."

Elementary Community Closet

Elementary students can receive essential supplies, such as soap, pencils, underwear and gloves at the elementary school. Students, parents and guardians should reach out to their child’s homeroom teacher to identify a need.

Personal care items such as toothpaste, soap and a wash cloth in a clear bag.

Jr./Sr. Food Pantry

The food pantry at Middleburgh Jr./Sr. High School was established through an award received by Bassett School-Based Health Care from the National School-Based Health Care Alliance, and is also supported by the Regional Food Bank. Enrollment requires no paperwork and is as simple as a student self-identifying a need. The pantry offers students access to foods of their choice on their own schedule once they are enrolled. Each Thursday, the pantry is restocked ensuring a wide variety of offerings in our inventory.

Fresh oranges, grapefruit and sweet potatoes.

Jr./Sr. Clothing Cubby

The Clothing Cubby in room 105 supports students by providing access to free clothing items such as shorts, T-shirts, sweats, jeans, jackets, and footwear. A selection of personal care items is also available. To gain access to the Clothing Cubby, email Terry McCoy or stop in. No paperwork is required.