The school partnered with Freestore Foodbank to host a Community Produce Pop-Up on the front lawn.
The idea for the pop-up originated from staff member Chelsey Woodly, who has worked at the school for 10 years. Alliance had never hosted such an event, and Ms. Woodly was inspired after she encountered notices for the Freestore Foodbank's produce pop-up program. She realized that any school in the area could host a distribution.
“I thought that would be a great way to include the community and offer a free service to our neighbors, not just our school family.”
Her vision brought four massive pallets of produce to the campus, featuring essential staples such as onions, potatoes, and a variety of fresh fruits.
Alongside the food pallets, the school set up a second canopy staffed by an admissions representative. This provided a welcoming space to talk with families about the school's offerings, supporting Alliance Academy's efforts to increase enrollment and boost community visibility during the quiet summer months.
Information about the event was distributed and staff members jumped into action by calling their own family members and friends to pick up bags of food. Taking the initiative further, they visited the local recreation center, connecting with neighbors on the spot and inviting them to stop by the school lawn.
"This event is more than providing food, it’s about ensuring our students and families continue to thrive even when school is not in session," said Principal Jenny White. "We are proud to partner with Freestore Foodbank and create opportunities that strengthen our community year-round."
Community members who received the produce were deeply appreciative of the fresh food and the school's initiative.
The initiative serves as a powerful testament to the heart and dedication behind Alliance Academy. As part of the National Heritage Academies® (NHA®) network, the school regularly invests in programs, local partnerships, and year-round outreach that create a lasting, positive impact.
Whether inside the classroom guiding students toward academic success or out on the front lawn connecting neighbors with healthy food, the team continues to demonstrate what it means to go above and beyond for the Cincinnati community.
About Alliance Academy of Cincinnati
Alliance Academy of Cincinnati is a tuition-free, public charter school in Cincinnati, Ohio, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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