Since coming to South View High School as the school’s ROTC advisor, retired Sgt. Maj. Ruby Murray became aware of a problem. 

“I noticed there were a lot of kids that weren’t getting nutrition, not getting any food whatsoever,’’ she said. 

She was referring to students who did not qualify for either a free or reduced lunch, but still had problems finding enough to eat. 

Murray shared a vision originally pushed by South View’s principal, Dr. Tonjai Robertson, of finding a way to help out those undernourished students who fell through the cracks. 

Over the summer, Murray said she had the idea of coming up with a food pantry created from public donations. 

Now she’s on the way to achieving that goal. 

“Basically, donations will be non­perishable food, stuff for breakfast and lunch,’’ Murray said. The plan is to store the food in a pan­try at South View, then Murray and par­ent volunteers will prepare pre-packed breakfasts and lunches and give them to students who qualify. 

Murray is hoping to get donations from the general public and is also lining up donations from commercial vendors. 

Anyone interested in making a dona­tion to the program can drop off food at South View during regular school hours, or call the school and make arrangements for Murray to come and pick it up. 

For those who would prefer to give monetary donations so Murray can go and purchase the food directly, those will be accepted as well. 

It’s hoped that the program will be up and running by the end of the month. Murray said they are still working out the kinks that will determine which stu­dents at the school will be eligible for the free meals. 

For further infromation on the program, contact Murray at South View at 910-425-8181.

Photo: Retired Sgt. Maj. Ruby Murray