WARREN — A new mobile food pantry from Warren City Schools will deliver free food and essential items directly to residents today at Trumbull Homes, as part of the district’s Raider Pantry Program.

Looking ahead, the district hopes to expand the mobile pantry to other neighborhoods served by Warren City Schools.

The district and United Way are accepting donations to support the program.

The mobile pantry will be stationed today in front of Trumbull Homes’ community center from noon to 1 p.m.

The pantry will offer nonperishable food, fresh produce and toiletries at no cost to families in need.

The initiative, a vision of Willard PK-8 school community liaison Shaina Shardy, aims to address growing food insecurity by delivering resources directly to neighborhoods.

“This is a trial run for us,” Shardy said. “We’ll see what works and what we need to work on and spend some time in the community taking suggestions from our families about what they need and what items would benefit them.”

The Raider Pantry Program, which began at Willard PK-8 under then-principal Michelle Chiaro, has grown to include pantries at all five of the district’s schools.

The mobile pantry, made possible through donations from Community Bus Service, the United Way of Trumbull County and the Cafaro family, represents the next step in reaching families who face barriers accessing school-based pantries.

“Everything is free and open to all families in need,” Shardy said. “We prepare bags and boxes for families, but it’s hard sometimes for the students to carry those home. Sometimes parents will pick them up at the door, but not everyone can get to the school. This way, we can take supplies to our families. It’s something that’s been wanted and I believe needed for a long time.”

Christine Cope, president and CEO of United Way of Trumbull County, talked about the initiative’s impact.

“United Way is proud to help bring healthy food directly to the neighborhoods of students and their families,” Cope said. “By funding this mobile pantry, we’re breaking down barriers to access and ensuring every child has the nourishment they need to focus, learn and thrive, both in and out of the classroom.”

The mobile pantry is designed to evolve with community needs. Shardy said many Willard families live in Trumbull Homes or nearby. As colder months approach, she said she hopes to include hats, gloves coats and boots in the pantry’s inventory.

“Right now, we’re trying to get a better idea of the needs of our community,” she said. “We’ll get recommendations and take suggestions from our families on what they need and what they would like to see available in the future.”