In our Marist community, completing service hours by the end of the year is a well-established expectation. Requirements range from 8 hours for freshmen to 12 hours for seniors, and students actively look for meaningful service opportunities throughout the year.

Luckily for us, down the road the St. Martin’s Episcopal School’s food pantry is always taking in Marist volunteers on Saturday mornings.

With the mission of giving what we have and doing all we are able to do, Suthers Food Pantry serves individuals and families in Dekalb County and surrounding areas who are facing food insecurity.

The food pantry partners with the Atlanta Food Bank and secures most of its food through the organization, as well as from neighboring stores such as Publix, which donate surplus food. Suthers provides bags in different sizes based on household size, including bread, produce, meat, dry goods, and other fresh foods.

Every Saturday morning from 7:30 to 10:30, volunteers are expected to assist with filling food bags, registering guests, unpacking food deliveries, and stocking shelves.

The food pantry relies on its volunteers to keep Saturday mornings running smoothly, many of whom are returning Marist students.

The close proximity and familiar faces make it an easy way for students to give back the community and fulfill their hours.

Student volunteer Kaitlyn Kilborn is one of the many students who returns to the food pantry time and time again. “I fulfilled all my hours last year through Suthers and plan to do the same again this year,” Kilborn explained. “The pantry is close to my house, and I always see Marist people. It is nice to see people giving back to our own community.”

Student Volunteer Charlotte Zalenski thinks its clear Marist students have a profound impact on the pantry. “My friends and I have been volunteering at Suthers since freshman year and the people there now know our names, and it’s so special when we come together on Saturdays,” Zalenski said.

Zalenski went on to explain how much her service at Suthers has meant to her. “It has been so eye-opening for me to serve in my own community and see how many people close to me could be struggling,” she said.

As the end of Term 2 slowly approaches and service deadlines creep up, Suthers Food Pantry is always in need of volunteers to help serve the community. The food pantry welcomes Marist students and gives them an easy and meaningful way to serve the community.