NUSD’s new ‘Joey’s Food Locker’ provides free groceries for 112 local residents

--- Published on October 03rd 2015 ---
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          Clyde came to Joey’s Food Locker because he’s a retiree on fixed income and “every little bit helps.”

          Delicia came because she has six kids in her household and “especially around this time of the month, it’s good to have some extra food around.”

          For the first time, NUSD’s Joey’s Food Locker began serving families in need with free groceries on Friday, Oct. 2. Within 90 minutes, about 20 families had been helped, representing 112 mouths to feed. The facility is located at Natomas High School, near the campus swimming pool.

          “It’s a great start,” said Joel Schwieger, leader of the District’s Adult Transition Program, whose members run the food closet. The number of families seeking help is likely to increase as time goes by and “word gets out” about groceries for those who truly need it, he said.

          The Adult Transition Program serves adult students ages 18-22, teaching them skills for living independently and getting a job. Through Joey’s Food Locker, the students will develop or polish skills in greeting and serving families, stocking shelves, bagging groceries, teamwork, checking expiration dates, and keeping the locker open and running smoothly.

          Asked why she volunteered to help staff the food locker, Marissa Daniels, 21, said she wanted “to help others who don’t have food in the house.”

          Maricella Guerrero, 21, said she volunteered in memory of her late grandmother, who would want her to reach out to others. “I love this class and I want everyone to have the advantage, like me, to have somewhere to go.”

          Joey’s Food Locker offered bags of groceries containing canned and dried goods, such as pasta, noodles, soup, corn, cereal, beans, potato chips and canned fruit. Quantities were based on the number of people in each household. A limited number of personal hygiene products – soap, toothpaste, dental floss – also were available.

          By November, the food closet hopes to provide produce and bread, too, in collaboration with the Sacramento Food Bank.

          Joey’s Food Locker depends upon food donations from the community, and collection bins have been placed at all NUSD schools. The helping-hand service is dedicated to the memory of Joel Michael Schwieger Jr., son of the Adult Transitions Program leader and his wife, Darian. “Joey” was born with autism and died at a young age, 30, but he continues to inspire his parents and those who knew him.

 

          Clyde, who received two bags of groceries, said he appreciates that act of kindness and won’t forget it. “That’s what makes the community together,” he said of Natomas’ generosity. “We all need each other.”