For many families, access to healthy food is not just about preference. It is about availability, affordability and awareness. When nutritious options are easier to find and understand, families are better equipped to make choices that support long-term health.
That belief is at the heart of the work led by the American Heart Association and recently took shape at Cannon Road Elementary School in Silver Spring, Md. With guidance from the Association, the school has become the first in Montgomery County Public Schools to establish a Healthy Pantry Policy, helping ensure the food offered through the school pantry supports the health and well-being of the families it serves.
Cannon Road Elementary is a community school serving about 380 students. Nearly 100 of those students receive special services, and the school is designated as a Title I school, meaning many families face economic challenges. About 25 percent of students are considered chronically absent, a statistic that often reflects larger barriers families may be experiencing, including access to food, transportation or stable housing.
To support families, the school operates a food and clothing pantry that provides groceries and other essentials to those who need them. Families can visit the pantry by appointment, allowing discreet and respectful access. While the pantry has long been an important resource, school leaders saw an opportunity to strengthen its impact by making nutrition a central focus.
Working with the Association, Community School Liaison Nichole Graham introduced a nutrition policy that helps guide the kinds of foods offered through the pantry. A nutrition policy is a written commitment that outlines how an organization prioritizes foods that support health. It helps ensure that available options reflect the needs of the community and encourages the donation and distribution of foods that promote overall well-being.
At Cannon Road Elementary, the policy supports the school’s monthly market that offers fresh produce and the daily choice pantry where families can select items that best meet their needs. Rather than limiting choice, the policy makes healthier options easier to recognize and more widely available.
Bilingual shelf tags help families quickly identify nutritious items and provide simple guidance that can support healthier food choices. The pantry also includes wellness-focused educational materials that offer families helpful information about nutrition and heart health.
The changes may seem small, but they make a meaningful difference. When families have access to nutritious foods and clear information, they are better able to make choices that support their health and the health of their children.
Like many school pantries, Cannon Road Elementary faces practical challenges, including limited storage space. School staff has worked creatively to make the most of what they have while continuing to expand access to fresh and healthy options.
The Healthy Pantry Policy represents more than a new guideline. It reflects a shared commitment to the well-being of the school community.
As the first school in Montgomery County Public Schools to adopt a Healthy Pantry Policy, Cannon Road Elementary is setting an example of what is possible when schools and community partners work together. Through this collaboration, students and families are gaining greater access to nutritious food and the tools to make informed choices, strengthening the health of the entire community.
If you’re a local food provider looking to implement a healthy pantry policy, contact Lucía Zegarra at lucia.zegarra@heart.org.