-Editorial
Southwest High School’s student-led Purple and Gold Pantry has been recognized as a recipient of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Challenge, a national initiative supported by the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation in partnership with Youth Service America. The program recognizes youth-led efforts that address childhood hunger through service, leadership, and community action.
The Purple and Gold Pantry was selected for its commitment to improving food security for students and families in the Imperial Valley. Led by students in Southwest High School’s Career Technical Education Public and Community Health pathway, the pantry provides non-perishable meal kits, promotes health education, and connects families with essential community resources.
“This recognition highlights the power of student voice and leadership in addressing real community needs,” said Jackie Valadez, Career Technical Education Teacher and Purple and Gold Pantry advisor. “Our students are not only learning about public health in the classroom. They are putting their knowledge into action by creating and leading meaningful initiatives that address food insecurity, promote health equity, and strengthen our community. The Purple and Gold Pantry demonstrates that when students are empowered to serve, they become compassionate leaders capable of creating lasting, positive change.”
The pantry serves as a hands-on learning experience for students while helping address food insecurity in a respectful and accessible way. Through partnerships with school and community organizations, students gain real-world public health experience while expanding support for local families.
“The Purple and Gold Pantry was necessary at Southwest High School because it is a resource that every student can use if they are experiencing food insecurity. I hope that one day we will be able to expand this resource into the community so it can help everyone, not just students at Southwest High School. I also hope to ultimately end food insecurity within our community and make sure that every student and family has access to food,” said Janelle Perez, President, Purple and Gold Pantry.
This national recognition places Southwest High School among a select group of youth-led programs across the country working to combat hunger and strengthen their communities.
The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation works to ensure that every child in the United States has access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive. Through partnerships, grants, and youth engagement programs, the foundation supports innovative solutions to end childhood hunger.
