PARLIER – As uncertainty regarding SNAP benefits continues to cause concern, Parlier Unified School District is doing its part to keep its community fed.
From now until June 12, Parlier Unified School District (PUSD) will be hosting La Canasta Food Pantry, providing food distributions to PUSD families twice a month. Located at 1200 E. Parlier Ave., beside Parlier Junior High School, all families with a student enrolled in the district will be eligible for one visit per household on the distribution dates.
“Our goal is to empower our students,” said Miriam Andres, family and community empowerment coordinator for the district. “With this pantry, we really want to support our students with the food they’re being provided with.”
The distribution dates can be found at parlierunified.org under the page “La Canasta Food Pantry,” or on the school district’s social media pages, such as Instagram at “@parlierusd.”
Andres explained that through surveys, staff has identified food insecurity as a significant concern amongst parents and caregivers in the district. Though the district provides free breakfast and lunch during the school day, many families still struggle with food insecurity at home.
Through the pantry, the district aims to give at least some families one less thing to worry about.
“We’re hoping that students are not stressed about their next meal, and are also able to just come to school with their bellies full,” Andres said.
La Canasta Food Pantry is a proud partner of the Central California Food Bank, and is sponsored by organizations such as Sierra Kings Health Care District (SKHCD), Kaiser Permanente and CalViva Health.
The program started in December 2024, offering 11 distributions last year. Thanks to grants provided this year from the pantry’s sponsors, including $10,000 from SKHCD, the district has been able to greatly expand the pantry’s offerings.
The next distribution is on Nov. 7, and each one runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Upon arrival, parents and caregivers will be given a numbered ticket to be called for check-in. After verifying that their child is enrolled at a PUSD school, families will be able to explore the pantry.
The pantry utilizes the “full choice” pantry model, meaning recipients have the freedom to browse the shelves and pick what they want or need. Depending on that week’s stock, each item will be labeled with how many of that item a single family can take.
Offerings include produce, dairy, grains, frozen meats and more. Attendees can fill their bags, baskets or carts with whatever they need.
Andres shared that the pantry has reached its maximum capacity of volunteers thanks to parent helpers who donate their time, but monetary donations are always welcome from organizations and individuals who can afford to do so. Those who wish to give to La Canasta Food Pantry can reach out to Andres via email at miriam.andres@parlierunified.org.
La Canasta has provided for more than 600 families since starting back up for the current school year, but PUSD will continue to find ways it can address the needs of its students and their families.
“I just want people to know that Parlier Unified School District really cares about our parents, and we always encourage parents to complete surveys or communicate with us to bridge that connection with the district, so that we know what the needs are and can support our parents and students,” Andres said.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this story was updated on Nov. 20, 2025 at 4:25 p.m. pst to clarify that the Parlier Unified’s La Canasta Food Pantry is generally open twice a month during the school year. The official dates of the pantry’s operation can be found at the district’s website, or on it’s social media pages.
