The West 40th Food Pantry
November 7 , 2025 – In Hamilton County Schools, supporting the whole child goes beyond the classroom. Through the Families in Transition program, our district continues to ensure that students and families facing hardship have access to one of life’s most essential needs: food.
At the West 40th Street office, the Families in Transition team has a food pantry that helps meet those needs. Sponsored by the McKinney-Vento program, the pantry serves families experiencing homelessness or housing instability within our district.
Lori Carmack, LMSW, LSSW, Coordinator of School Social Work, shared that the pantry is currently focusing on easy-to-open and non-perishable food items such as pop-top canned goods, granola bars, protein bars, and beef jerky
“These items make it simple for families to have ready-to-eat food available when they need it most,” she explained. “Even things such as diapers are needed, which are not always the first thing on people’s minds when they are buying things to donate.”
This effort is made possible thanks to the leadership of Families in Transition Homeless Liaison, Geraldine Lovain, who connected with local faith leaders to provide ongoing support in stocking the food pantry. Over the next several months, several churches such as, Church of Christ, Family Chapel Christian Methodist, and Chattanooga Area Outreach Ministry will each help stock the shelves at West 40th. Their generosity helps ensure that Hamilton County families have a reliable place to turn during challenging times.
Across the district, schools are also stepping up to support one another. The Center for Creative Arts recently surveyed families to identify who could assist with donations, and several responded with enthusiasm. At East Lake Elementary, one family even offered to contribute $500 to another family in need.
Together, these efforts reflect the heart of Hamilton County Schools, a community that looks out for one another. Donations to the West 40th pantry can be placed in bins at the West 40th office, ensuring that help is always within reach for families who need it most.
When students, families, staff, and community partners come together, we make sure every child has what they need to thrive.
To learn more about the families in transition team or to get in contact with them, visit their page: https://hcde.org/student_supports/families-in-transition/
