The idea is simple: Learning by helping others.
Natomas Unified is creating a free food locker to serve needy families, with staffing provided by the District’s Adult Transition Program that helps young adults ages 18 to 22 overcome mental or physical challenges by teaching them skills for living independently and getting a job.
Hungry local residents will receive canned or dried foods, while volunteer students from the Adult Transition Program will develop or polish skills in greeting and serving families, stocking shelves, bagging groceries, teamwork, checking food expiration dates, and keeping the locker open and operating smoothly.
A ribbon cutting for “Joey’s Food Locker” is planned for Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Natomas High School. The facility will serve families from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. once per month — on Oct. 2, Nov. 13, Dec. 18, then every third Friday of the month thereafter. It is located beside the B. Teri Burns Health Clinic, not far from the NHS swimming pool.
The food locker is dedicated to the memory of Joel Michael Schwieger Jr., son of NUSD’s Adult Transitions Program teacher, Joel Schwieger, and his wife, Darian. “Joey” was born with autism and died at a young age, 30, but he continues to serve as inspiration to his parents.
A dedication plaque for the food locker, located at Natomas High School, contains a photo of Joey and says “his infectious smile touched the lives of everyone around him. He will always be remembered for his love and caring of others.” Joel Sr. added that his son routinely placed others’ needs before his own.
That caring spirit is meant to be a driving force behind Joey’s Food Locker, which will receive canned and dried foods from the Sacramento Food Bank and from the public via containers to be placed at all NUSD campuses. Last winter break, 12 Natomas families lacking shelter received a helping hand from the Ed Center. This year, Joey’s Food Locker can provide assistance.
Whoever shows up at Joey’s Food Locker will receive food, with quantities varying based on family size. By helping to fill stomachs, Natomas Unified hopes also to boost the academic prospects of hungry students in need.
“It not only will help them with food, it will help them with education,” Schwieger Sr. said. “Instead of worrying about their next meal, they’ll be fed and ready for school.”
