Foundation for OCPS receives $400,000 grant to boost school food pantries

The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools has received a $400,000 grant to strengthen school-based food pantries and expand access to healthy food for students and families.The Florida Blue Foundation grant will support the nonprofit’s Food Pantry Capacity and Access Expansion Initiative, focusing on school-based pantries in low-income communities, according to an announcement released Tuesday.The Foundation for OCPS is the school district’s nonprofit philanthropic partner, raising support for student needs and educational opportunities.Expanding access through schoolsThe initiative will strengthen pantry infrastructure and help schools respond to families experiencing food insecurity.“No student should have to worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Debi Pedraza, executive director of the Foundation for OCPS.“This generous investment from the Florida Blue Foundation will help us strengthen school-based food pantries so more families can access healthy food throug