Hanna’s Pantry, which initially started as a small, grassroots initiative in response to food insecurity among students, has significantly expanded its reach and impact over the years. What began as a simple effort by school nurse Mary Olley to provide food for students experiencing hunger has now grown into a vital resource for over 400+ families within the Susquehanna Township School District in 2024. This reflects the increasing demand for assistance in the community and the growing recognition of the Pantry's crucial role in addressing both food insecurity and nutritional needs.
Originally founded as the Adopt-a-Family School Pantry in 2001, it operated for nearly 18 years at Thomas W. Holtzman Jr. Elementary School with the support of local organizations like Rockville United Methodist Church. The effort began when Mary Olley observed an alarming number of students presenting with signs of hunger instead of illness, prompting her to send food home with them as a simple yet effective way to meet their immediate nutritional needs.
Over time, the initiative gained momentum and expanded its volunteer base, leading to its rebranding in 2019 as HANNA’s Pantry, under the umbrella of the HANNA Foundation. The Pantry's relocation to Susquehanna Township High School allowed it to serve a wider group of students and their families, and it soon transitioned into a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, which further strengthened its sustainability and capacity for service.
Today, HANNA’s Pantry is a critical safety net for the community, not only providing students with nutritious food for their families, but also partnering with organizations like the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank to ensure a steady supply of resources. Volunteers from Faith Immanuel Presbyterian, Tree of Life Lutheran Churches, as well as the Susquehanna Township students and staff, continue to be the backbone of this operation, helping to sort, package, and distribute food to families in need. The Pantry’s growth and success are a testament to the strong community collaboration that underpins its mission to ensure no family in the district goes hungry.