NNPS and community partners host pop-up food pantry for local families
Posted: October 22, 2025
Newport News Public Schools, in partnership with the Dreams of Hope Foundation and the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, hosted a pop-up food pantry at Passage Middle School on October 21 to provide food for local families, especially military-connected families who are currently being affected by the government shutdown and those with students who attend Passage.
A total of 172 families were served as a result of the three community partners combining their efforts, according to Simone Dreher, co-founder and executive director of the Dreams of Hope Foundation.
NNPS Family and Community Engagement coordinates a regular schedule of sidewalk food pantries at various NNPS schools and Passage FACE Specialist Shawna Davis led the organizing of this additional opportunity. A variety of free food was available including fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, bread, eggs and meat.
"Today's pop-up pantry is especially meaningful, as it will serve military-connected families and government contractors impacted by the current government shutdown," said FACE Coordinator Tiffany Jones. "This initiative, led by our incredible FACE team in partnership with the Dreams of Hope Foundation and Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, aims to provide essential resources during a challenging time."
The event was one of FACE's largest pop-up pantries ever. Unlike its monthly sidewalk pantries, pop-ups are one-time events hosted at various locations across the city to reach families where they are.
Families shopped during a grocery store-style experience with the help and support of volunteers from all three organizations.
"Moments like this remind us of the power of community - when one is in need, we come together to ensure all are supported," Jones said.
