Feed Northland Kids continues to expand its latest initiative: in-school food pantries.

Feed Northland Kids Executive Director Gwen O’Brien said the almost 40 in-school food pantries receive their clientele through the school staff that understands what the students need.

The pantries meet the immediate needs of students with grab-and-go foods to power them through the day. There are breakfast items, brown-bag lunches and snacks for the minutes between the final bell and after-school activities. There are even kitchen pantry items to take home. Some pantries include access to a microwave oven and electric kettle to help students make hot meals fast.

Currently in Clay County, there are more than 20 food pantries that are part of the Kearney, Liberty, North Kansas City and Smithville schools. The age range is elementary to high school.

To donate, visit feednorthlandkids.org/how-to-help/donate.html. To also help out, there is the Bill Cross 5K on Sunday, Oct. 13. The funds raised from the race also go to the food pantries and community food kits.

Each year Feed Northland Kids gathers to honor Dr. Bill Cross, former Northland educator and Mayor of Gladstone. Look up the run on runsignup.com.