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McLean McPantry volunteers gathered at Luther Jackson Middle School on Saturday, Jan. 17, to sort a large collection of donated food destined for students and families facing food insecurity.

The student-led group serves as McLean’s chapter of Food for Neighbors, a nonprofit that collects and distributes food to students in need. Senior and McPantry co-founder Raha Golshani said the volume of donations can make collection days chaotic, but a strong volunteer turnout keeps the work organized and moving quickly.

McLean McPantry began after school staff members Ms. Senegar, Dr. Reiley and Ms. Van Vranken spoke to a leadership class about food insecurity at McLean and nearby schools. Senior Maeve Lewis said she and several friends followed up by organizing an interest meeting and establishing a pantry at McLean.

The group now attends monthly collections at Luther Jackson, where volunteers sort “red bag donations” contributed by residents across the Falls Church area. The food is distributed to participating middle and high schools, including McLean. The chapter also occasionally organizes collections at its own school.

Once donations reach McLean, volunteers stock the McPantry and assemble weekend meal packs for students. The group also partners with Wegmans for food rescues that provide produce, prepared meals and treats.

Lewis said the pantry’s impact was especially visible during a government shutdown, when many people visited a drive-through food rescue to collect supplies for their families. She said helping local families was rewarding and expressed hope that the McPantry will continue growing in the years ahead.