With the 2026 Draft wrapping up recently, the Green Bay Packers and Meijer are inviting local businesses in the greater Green Bay area to join them in "drafting" a local school's community fridge for the "Adopt a Pantry" program.
The new program for Green Bay Area Public Schools aims to keep the community fridges and pantries at a dozen local schools stocked full of fresh, nutritious food. Previously, the Packers have helped sponsor and stock community fridges at local elementary schools, including Beaumont and Eisenhower, and allocated funds to Nicolet Elementary toward their purchase of a community freezer.
Looking ahead to the 2026-27 school year, the Packers have committed to adopt Eisenhower Elementary's food pantry, and Packers partner Meijer has also pledged to support the program and adopt a school's pantry. Spurred on by the Packers' and Meijer's enthusiasm for the program, GBAPS is now recruiting other local businesses to support 10 additional schools for the next year.
"The Packers are proud to continue supporting the students and families of Green Bay Area Public Schools through a variety of initiatives including free public events, literacy initiatives, mental health and food insecurity," said Packers community outreach manager Amanda Wery. "We appreciate Meijer joining us in 'drafting' another school pantry in our area for the Adopt a Pantry program, and we encourage other businesses to join us in providing the fuel for students and their families to succeed."
The community fridges and pantries are offered to address food insecurity for students at schools in the Green Bay Area Public School system (GBAPS). Currently, there are 12 food pantries and fridges at schools throughout the district that offer students access to food and snacks at their convenience. They provide additional nutritional support for students outside of the regularly provided school meals while also aiming to address concerns for students who face limited access to the food they need outside the classroom.
Companies who are interested in being a part of this initiative should contact Amy Fish, associate director of community partnerships and grants at GBAPS, by either calling (920) 272-7657 or emailing at acfish@gbaps.org to learn more about schools that are currently looking for partners.
"When our families have their needs met, students can come to school available and ready to learn," said Fish. "When students are engaged in learning, we see an increase in academic outcomes and graduation rates. All of this equates to a stronger local economy."
Schools are also seeking volunteer support to help sort and shelve donated items or pack food kits for students to bring home over the weekends, and GBAPS is seeking assistance from local businesses for this effort, as well. Those interested in volunteering can fill out an individual application of interest here.
