FSD Community School Partnership Program Specialist Jenny Saul (left) and Rossana Fonseca Director of SEL and Family Supports, help package food boxes for FSD families.

True to its spirit of care and community, the Fullerton School District (FSD) is once again coming together to support families in need. From now through Thursday, Nov. 20, FSD is hosting a districtwide Food Drive to help its families affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The federal shutdown, which began earlier this month, has disrupted key benefits and services that many families rely on. As of November 1, 2025, benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is known as CalFresh in California, have been delayed. CalFresh is a federal program providing monthly food assistance to low-income individuals and families through an EBT card.

FSD is currently collecting non-perishable, shelf-stable food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and cereal. Donations can be dropped off at any school’s front office or at the FSD District Office, located at 1401 W. Valencia Drive, Fullerton, CA 92833.

Donations will be accepted during regular school office hours through Nov. 20. All collected items will go directly toward supporting FSD’s food pantries and food box programs, which directly serve FSD families in need.

“While we are grateful our school meals program remains unaffected, allowing us to make sure every student continues to receive a healthy breakfast and lunch each school day, we know the ripple effects of the federal shutdown are being felt by our families,” said Dr. Chad Hammitt, FSD Deputy Superintendent, who currently oversees the district’s Human Resources, Student Support Services, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) teams, among other district departments.

“Fullerton is a district that steps up for one another, and this food drive is one way we can come together to ensure no family goes without throughout this time and as long as is needed.”

Walking the walk, FSD’s SEL department, Community Schools Partnership Program, Social Services Assistants, and Nutrition Services team mobilized the week of Nov. 3 to launch an in-house family food box distribution program.

By Friday, November 7, the team had curated key information to help identify FSD families facing food insecurity due to the current federal shutdown, gathered food with the generous support of community partners, including Bracken’s Kitchen, Orange County Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee’s Office, and others, and assembled and distributed 95 food boxes, reaching more than 365 individuals.

Families seeking information about additional community resources, including food, clothing, shoes, toiletries, and more, can visit bit.ly/foodresourcesfsd.

“This effort is another reminder of what makes Fullerton special,” added Dr. Hammitt. “When challenges arise, our community rises higher together.”

The Fullerton School District (FSD) is located in northern Orange County, California, and serves over 11,000 students in transitional kindergarten (TK) through eighth grade. FSD is home to 15 elementary schools, two TK through eighth-grade schools, three junior high schools, and a distance learning and home school program. FSD features unique programs for students, including a Dual Language Academy for Spanish and Korean languages; a Performance Academy Sports Program that offers a traditional in-person learning experience with advanced athletic training integrated into the school day; Advanced Placement (AP) and college courses for middle school students; a trade academy focused on construction pathways; and robust before, after, and summer school programs. FSD is also one of only five districts in the state that has a Multi-Age program, a district and state-approved Alternative Program of Choice. The mission of the Fullerton School District is to work collaboratively with the community to provide an innovative, high-quality educational experience for all students in a safe learning environment. FSD’s motto, “Great Schools – Successful Kids,” signifies that all FSD students will be given the tools and instruction to achieve academic excellence, hone interpersonal skills, and develop technological expertise to contribute as productive citizens in a democratic society. To learn more about the Fullerton School District’s award-winning schools and programs, call (714) 447-7400 or visit www.fullertonsd.org.

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